Dogs and Rotations

[NUgirl]

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For those of you who own dogs (and are the primary caretakers) and are currently on rotations, how do you do it, especially with rotations such as surgery? What do you do when you're gone for more than 8 hrs?

I don't have one yet, but I am considering getting one now since I have the whole summer to train and raise a puppy. Then, this year is also much lighter than last year (I'm a second year). I will be living 2 min from the school and I study at home, so I'll be there all the time (including lunchtime). But I am concerned about next year. My parents live close by, and would probably be able to help next year, but I don't think on a daily basis.

I have wanted a dog my whole life, and I don't want to wait another 7 years until I'm done with school! There is never a perfect time to get a dog if you're in the med field anyway.

 

[punkrockdoctor]

My wife and I have a dog, but we also have a backyard with a dog-door. Still, dogs require at least some walking time every day. Part of what has made our life easier during rotations is to have a dog walker come by during the middle of the day so that we don't have to stress about what time we get home.

Puppies stay puppies for the first year and are hard work. If you don't desperatately want a puppy, your life might be much much easier if you get an adult dog who has already outgrown much of her puppy behavior. Regardless of whether you get a puppy or adult dog, I highly highly recommend training your dog rigorously. You will bond with your dog and your dog will be happier and more controllable.

dogs rule. don't delay - you are only depriving yourself.

emily

 

[Jaded Soul]

One of my classmates would bring his dog with him during call nights on surgery (30-hours on). He left the dog in the car (which was in a parking structure) with the windows cracked open. Every few hours, he would go to the structure to walk the dog, feed it, or whatever it needed. The people who were on the team with him would have to cover for him for like 30 minutes everytime he went to check the dog.

 

[dchristismi]

I have 2 1/2 dogs. (We're fostering the third, and the jury is still out on whether she stays) My husband works a standard 8 hour day, so he lets them out when he gets home - we have a big fenced backyard, which makes it a lot easier! I thought I wouldn't have enough time for a dog at first, but you can easily make time if you want to.

If you're living 2 minutes away, you should be fine - it doesn't hurt to have backup in case you get stuck in a long procedure, but you will likely be able to slip away for 5-10 minutes if necessary.

Oh, and don't get a puppy! My husband brought home a 6 week old puppy 2 weeks before I was to sit for Step 1. Lemme tell you, it was a disaster. Older dogs rock!

 

[Medical123]

I am not on rotations yet, but am gone for 8-12 hours a day during the school week. I have a dog and would not take anything for her. I walk her when I first get up in the mornings, when I get home, and right before bed. I also keep a feeder full of dry food out for her so that she can eat whenever she wants to. I also make sure that she has a huge bowl of water ready whenever I leave the apartment. To help avoid those little "accidents" that animals tend to have, I bought puppy pads and leave those out in case she has to go to the bathroom while I am gone. It works pretty well. When I come home, I am attacked by one happy little dog!