Pets @ Medschool

[IAMS]

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Pllanning on taking your pets with you to medical school? Anyone have any answers on how to adjust when you have 6 or 10 legs?

I have two labs, Inga and Wilhelmina, they're 3 years old, and very attached. They get walked 3 times a day. They can hardly handle me going to school and work now, much less the demands that await us.

Obviously this makes housing a concern, but I am also worried about not being able to spend time with them, not to mention let them out to potty.

 

[DubZteR]

Pllanning on taking your pets with you to medical school? Anyone have any answers on how to adjust when you have 6 or 10 legs?

I have two labs, Inga and Wilhelmina, they're 3 years old, and very attached. They get walked 3 times a day. They can hardly handle me going to school and work now, much less the demands that await us.

Obviously this makes housing a concern, but I am also worried about not being able to spend time with them, not to mention let them out to potty.

I'm planning on taking my sheltie but my mom seems to want him for herself too. She says he does a better job of keeping her company then my dad sometimes .....

I would take them with you especially since they are very attached which means you must be too given that your nickname is taken from combining their names.. lol. 😛

 

[45408]

I'll probably leave my chinchillas with my parents when the time comes.

 

[IAMS]

I would take them with you especially since they are very attached which means you must be too given that your nickname is taken from combining their names.. lol. 😛

Yep, they're my babies. I couldn't hand them off. I'm just concerned I won't be able to take care of them as well.. but that's what roommates are for, eh? 🙄

 

[DubZteR]

Yep, they're my babies. I couldn't hand them off. I'm just concerned I won't be able to take care of them as well.. but that's what roommates are for, eh? 🙄

or partners (if you have one) 🙂

 

[CarlosMielefan]

Beasts/pets are repugnant.

 

[DubZteR]

Beasts/pets are repugnant.

....... Was that really necessary? 👎

Why do you keep trying to pick a fight with ingamina?

 

[alison_in_oh]

Saw this topic on the main page...

We brought my dog with us when my husband started medical school. If I had to rely on him to let her out, her bladder would explode. 🙁 He got home before I did for first and most of second year, but the odd second-year meeting and of course rotations and overnight call mean that you MUST have someone else around.

The thing is, pets aren't disposable. You've made a commitment to these critters, and you need to follow through on it. Bring your dogs; consider hiring a dogwalker; skip out on meetings and definitely social engagements if you have to in order to get home at a reasonable time; and think ahead to third year, when you might have to get a dogwalker if your roommates aren't 100% reliable.

They won't mind the decreased activity (though they might take it out on your home, especially oral Labbies); they'll take any time with you they can get, especially if it's *quality* time.

Fortunately housing hasn't been a problem yet for the 5-ish years I've been renting with my German Shepherd girl. If you look hard enough and are always willing to offer a big fat deposit, you'll find something.

 

[IAMS]

The thing is, pets aren't disposable. You've made a commitment to these critters, and you need to follow through on it. Bring your dogs; consider hiring a dogwalker; skip out on meetings and definitely social engagements if you have to in order to get home at a reasonable time; and think ahead to third year, when you might have to get a dogwalker if your roommates aren't 100% reliable.

It's good to see someone else has good sense about animals, and was able to handle them through med school. That's just the kind of encouragmeent I need. Thanks!

 

[CarlosMielefan]

....... Was that really necessary? 👎

Why do you keep trying to pick a fight with ingamina?

This happens to be a strong opinion - one of many - that I have, and I have expressed it freely on a public forum. Who the hell is ingamina?

 

[IAMS]

or partners (if you have one) 🙂

Exactly 😀

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

i am living at home right now and having my dog live just a floor under me is amazing
i most def will not be taking him if i move ...i have two sibblings so hes very much a family pet...not to mention an senior citizen.

i think i will haveto be sadly pet-less till residency 🙁

 

[CarlosMielefan]

i am living at home right now and having my dog live just a floor under me is amazing
i most def will not be taking him if i move ...i have two sibblings so hes very much a family pet...not to mention an senior citizen.

i think i will haveto be sadly pet-less till residency 🙁

Petless and 🙁 do not go together. Petless is the new black. Everyone should get petless!

 

[VienneseWaltz]

i think i will haveto be sadly pet-less till residency 🙁

Cats are wonderful, too, and require less supervision than a dog. Cats are quite managable for med students, and some are as affectionate as dogs.

My husband and I have a dog & cat--they are a lot of work (dog more so), but ever so worth it!

Something the OP might also consider is finding a dog-owning/loving roommate. Two of my classmates each have a dog and room together, and so far they've been able to work out the walking schedules. They're planning to have a dog-walker on reserve for clerkships, for when both of them have call, etc.

 

[IAMS]

My girls are a handful. I feel like a professional dogwalker just grass-skiing behind them. I usually walk them first thing in the morning, in the afternoon and then before bedtime. I'm sure I can handle the early/late walk. What is the going rate for dog walkers once a day for two rambunctious medium/large pups?

 

[runner1979]

My girls are a handful. I feel like a professional dogwalker just grass-skiing behind them. I usually walk them first thing in the morning, in the afternoon and then before bedtime. I'm sure I can handle the early/late walk. What is the going rate for dog walkers once a day for two rambunctious medium/large pups?

I would think it isn't much above min. wage--but definately has to be someone you trust!

Depending on where I decide to go to school, I hope to find a place with some sort of yard and a mudroom so my Weimeraner can be in or out depending on her mood. If not, I will have to farm her out to my parents because I refuse to put a large dog in an apartment all day long. It just wouldn't be fair to her.

 

[DubZteR]

This happens to be a strong opinion - one of many - that I have, and I have expressed it freely on a public forum.

We all have strong opinions about certain issues but you don't see me blatantly posting disrespectful comments.

Coming into a thread about pets (and their supporters) and simply posting something like pets/beasts are repugnant is just plain tasteless ...

I don't think I'm being too demanding when I say have some common sense.

 

[myodana]

This happens to be a strong opinion - one of many - that I have, and I have expressed it freely on a public forum. Who the hell is ingamina?

oh, get over yourself. what's your point?

 

[DubZteR]

My girls are a handful. I feel like a professional dogwalker just grass-skiing behind them. I usually walk them first thing in the morning, in the afternoon and then before bedtime. I'm sure I can handle the early/late walk. What is the going rate for dog walkers once a day for two rambunctious medium/large pups?

I would imagine it's not gonna be cheap unless you can find volunteers 😀

 

[lightnk102]

if you're on a campus with undergrads or other grads with less demanding schedules, you can just post up a flier to see if someone wants to take them out. that is - if you're okay with someone who's not a "professional" dog walker.

I took my neighbor's dog out for her all the time when she was a third year med student, and I've never had any pets besides a fish. It isn't that hard to walk a dog. Granted, the pug goes crazy when I first enter the apartment and I have to catch her to get the leash on, but after that, I just follow her around and pick up her poo.

I suppose if you're particular about poo-picking technique or walking-the-dog-styles, you'll have to fork up some more money, but most students will probably do it for a minimal amount. Dog walkers in NY and LA make upwards of 70k a year.

 

[CarlosMielefan]

oh, get over yourself. what's your point?

What was my point? Good question. More importantly, who do you think you are?

 

[CarlosMielefan]

I don't think I'm being too demanding when I say have some common sense.

Now that was rude. I quite like you.

 

[LiNk]

As you can see, my dog Miles is totally ready for med school. He says we'll make it work. 😀

 

[Assembler]

What was my point? Good question. More importantly, who do you think you are?

This is ridiculous. Get over yourself, or better yet, get a hold of yourself. This must be at least the 5th time I've seen you use that tired line...

You disrespected the moderator, Evo, in another thread; technically, you could have been banned long ago. Consider yourself lucky you're still typing away under that user name.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

My girls are a handful. I feel like a professional dogwalker just grass-skiing behind them. I usually walk them first thing in the morning, in the afternoon and then before bedtime. I'm sure I can handle the early/late walk. What is the going rate for dog walkers once a day for two rambunctious medium/large pups?

The dogwalker we're talking to (who is a professional, also runs a doggie daycare/hotel service) charges $12 per visit and is also available on short notice. This includes a trip to an off-leash dog park where our little guy can run around (amazing how much energy the small ones have). I am certain you could find a neighbor (like a responsible high school student) who would do it for less.


runner, I don't know a whole lot about Weimeraners, but some large dogs are pretty lazy when their owners aren't there (eg, happy to sleep on the couch all afternoon) and do OK in an apartment--you know your dog best, though. Our 18-lb shepherd mix needs a lot of exercise, but when we're not there he sleeps and seems perfectly happy (he doesn't even follow us to the door when we leave now).

 

[runner1979]

runner, I don't know a whole lot about Weimeraners, but some large dogs are pretty lazy when their owners aren't there (eg, happy to sleep on the couch all afternoon) and do OK in an apartment--you know your dog best, though. Our 18-lb shepherd mix needs a lot of exercise, but when we're not there he sleeps and seems perfectly happy (he doesn't even follow us to the door when we leave now).

She's eight and just starting to calm down. If I have to farm her to my parents (which she loves by the way since she would get to weekend at a Lake house) then I've considered adopting a retired greyhound cuz they are total indoor dogs and take retirement really seriously--sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day. At least thats what I hear!

 

[VienneseWaltz]

As you can see, my dog Miles is totally ready for med school. He says we'll make it work. 😀

I love it!

My friend's mother-in-law made and embroidered a white coat for his and his wife's cat as a white-coat-ceremony present.

 

[CarlosMielefan]

This is ridiculous. Get over yourself, or better yet, get a hold of yourself. This must be at least the 5th time I've seen you use that tired line...

You disrespected the moderator, Evo, in another thread; technically, you could have been banned long ago. Consider yourself lucky you're still typing away under that user name.

Is it part of the TOS to "respect" the moderator? Where is my respect? Who do you think you are?

 

[LiNk]

I love it!

My friend's mother-in-law made and embroidered a white coat for his and his wife's cat as a white-coat-ceremony present.

That's so cute!

Miles didn't seem to mind it too much. He looks a little spooked in the pic though.

 

[Assembler]

Is it part of the TOS to "respect" the moderator? Where is my respect? Who do you think you are?

You don't have any respect, that's the whole point. Neither for the moderator and nor for your fellow colleagues. Most of your comments have been asinine and unwarranted, especially in the last few threads. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up in medical school, and the first person sitting next to you is someone you probably insulted on SDN. The only good thing is they'll never know it was you.

Something tells me you would never dare to act like this in person. Honestly, with such an attitude, I can't even fathom how you'd ever get anywhere on the chain of command you will someday be subjected to.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Trolls hang around where they're fed.

Let's keep talking about our pets. It's fun! 😀

 

[VienneseWaltz]

She's eight and just starting to calm down. If I have to farm her to my parents (which she loves by the way since she would get to weekend at a Lake house) then I've considered adopting a retired greyhound cuz they are total indoor dogs and take retirement really seriously--sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day. At least thats what I hear!

I've heard the same thing about greyhounds, too. I hope the arrangments work out, though. I'm sure the lake house is fun, but you're her human! I know she would want to stay with you.

 

[CarlosMielefan]

You don't have any respect, that's the whole point. Neither for the moderator and nor for your fellow colleagues. Most of your comments have been asinine and unwarranted, especially in the last few threads. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up in medical school, and the first person sitting next to you is someone you probably insulted on SDN. The only good thing is they'll never know it was you.

Something tells me you would never dare to act like this in person. Honestly, with such an attitude, I can't even fathom how you'd ever get anywhere on the chain of command you will someday be subjected to.

And you've made these judgments based solely on my comments on SDN? You need to get a grip, buddy (and I never use that word). This is SDN!!!!!!!!!

 

[DianaLynne]

I am certainly bringing my cat, Squeaks. I've had this cat since '89, she goes where I go. If I ever need fuzz therapy, she's right there. Fortunately, my partner is coming to school with me and she'll make sure Squeaks gets enough attention while I'm away on a 30 hour shift.

 

[lulubean]

i love the dog photo! keep more coming! 👍 i'd put one of mine up if i wasnt so computer illiterate...

i am bringing my NYC mutt, emma, wherever i end up. 😍 i have had her all through my busy grad school/part time work schedule so i think i have had a taste of the juggling act the next four years will require...

one idea to try is to find another dog owener in your apartment building and exchange walks (i take the morning shift, she the evening) thats a time saver.

as for their time home alone, kongs and puppy pads (for pee emergencies) have been a lifesaver.

 

[Sweet Tea]

I adopted a beagle second semester of my M1 year, and it was the best thing I could have done for myself in med school. She keeps me sane. She gives me something to do that has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with studying. She's happy to see me when I get home from class and it's good to sometimes be forced to take a study break to do doggie duty. My grades actually improved after I got her and we settled in to each other-- there was a long period where it turned out that my "house-broken" adult beagle was not as house-broken as the rescue agency would have had me believe. But I can't imagine going through school now without the little beag. I was going to bring my ancient cat from home but he a) probably would have gone into kidney failure (he does that when removed from his 5 bedroom house) and b) my bf is allergic to him. So I got a pup. And she is beautiful. 😀

 

[IAMS]

I suppose if you're particular about poo-picking technique or walking-the-dog-styles, you'll have to fork up some more money, but most students will probably do it for a minimal amount. Dog walkers in NY and LA make upwards of 70k a year.

Not really particular, just need someone who can handle two leashes without getting roped up, that often happens to me especially when we run into a squirrel or a rabbit or something.

 

[IAMS]

If I have to farm her to my parents (which she loves by the way since she would get to weekend at a Lake house) then I've considered adopting a retired greyhound cuz they are total indoor dogs and take retirement really seriously--sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day. At least thats what I hear!

Sweet Tea, you're definitely onto something, here. It's cool that some of you have families that will watch your pets. Though, I don't see how I could get through stressful years without my dogs. There is nothing that brightens a day more than someone who is always happy to see you no matter what shape you're in and what you've been dealing with. I know spouses and partners can fill that roll, but no one is 100% there for you like a dog. Thanks for making this an uplifting thread, everyone 😀

 

[Ypo.]

I have two rottweilers, one is 8 and the other is 4. My bf and I just bought a house, our mortgage payments are $600/month, so its cheaper than renting, and it has a nice big fenced in yard, with a smaller fenced in enclosure that the previous owner built for his German shepard. I'm so relieved that we found a place compatible with our dogs, because giving them up was not an option for me. Luckily, my boyfriend will be helping me with the daily walks. They get one long walk in the morning, and they get let outside 3 or 4 times a day after their walk.

 

[DubZteR]

Now that was rude. I quite like you.

I think that's the nicest thing you've said to me yet!

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

Cats are wonderful, too, and require less supervision than a dog. Cats are quite managable for med students, and some are as affectionate as dogs.

My husband and I have a dog & cat--they are a lot of work (dog more so), but ever so worth it!

Something the OP might also consider is finding a dog-owning/loving roommate. Two of my classmates each have a dog and room together, and so far they've been able to work out the walking schedules. They're planning to have a dog-walker on reserve for clerkships, for when both of them have call, etc.

cats hate me and i hate cats

we have a understanding that if their species refrains from clawing my shins i will not consume them for supper...the deals been working out well ...

 

[IAMS]

My bf and I just bought a house, our mortgage payments are $600/month, so its cheaper than renting, and it has a nice big fenced in yard, with a smaller fenced in enclosure that the previous owner built for his

This is a great option out in the burbs or a rural school. Housing is cheap and there's lot of play area available. Picking up isn't a huge problem, because we can always find an unkept field to go run in. They know the primary reason we go on walks is to take care of business, and they often hold off going to maximize their walking time...

A few of the schools I'm applying are in Philadelphia, DC, St. Louis, I've never lived in an urban environment, not sure how they'll adjust to sidewalks and designated potty spots. Guess it's all excitement in store.

 

[DubZteR]

As you can see, my dog Miles is totally ready for med school. He says we'll make it work. 😀

That's a classic 🙂

 

[Sweet Tea]

and because i love showing off the world's prettiest beagle...

😀

 

[lightnk102]

Sweet Tea, you're definitely onto something, here. It's cool that some of you have families that will watch your pets. Though, I don't see how I could get through stressful years without my dogs. There is nothing that brightens a day more than someone who is always happy to see you no matter what shape you're in and what you've been dealing with. I know spouses and partners can fill that roll, but no one is 100% there for you like a dog. Thanks for making this an uplifting thread, everyone 😀

your girls are beautiful =). i'll walk them in the city if we end up in the same area. i only have one rule: no humping my leg. and if you must do it - limit it to 30 seconds or less. i'm the alpha dog.

my friend just got an english bulldog. her and her boyfriend are interviewing people for the position of "dogwalker". pretty particular they are.

 

[IAMS]

i only have one rule: no humping my leg. and if you must do it - limit it to 30 seconds or less.

Hahaha.... Well, lucky you, I've never had the urge 🙄

And they haven't either, they're GIRLS

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

i cant provide intresting magzine racks in medical school and my dog likes to always poke in them.... i dont think he likes to read lippincott 😡

link ..your dog seems much better prepped for med school
mine wont even take the mcat 🙁

 

[runner1979]

Here's my fleabag...Her name is really Phoebe, but it turned into Phleebs which has now become Fleabags and seeing as she responds best to it, I have been forced to keep calling her that!

Well, all, have a great day!

Edit: Obviously I am not computer savvy enough to get the picture to show up *in* the message. How did you guys do that????

 

[lightnk102]

Hahaha.... Well, lucky you, I've never had the urge 🙄

And they haven't either, they're GIRLS

whoops. i obviously know nothing about dogs, besides how to scoop their poo. maybe because all my friend's dogs have always been male and had an inexplicable fatal attraction to my leg. if only i were so popular with human males.

 

[getunconcsious]

Hey yall, someone mentioned having cats in med school. I really love cats and was thinking of getting a kitten when I start med school, especially if I have to live by myself since I'd get so lonely. Has anyone done this, and if so how hard is it? Also, would a small dog like a Pomeranian be really hard to take care of in med school?

On a side note, my beloved hermit crabs Quinn and Steve are totally going with me! 🙂