Pets?!
- Thread starter DODO
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DODO said:
I have a dog (see picture). Got him as a puppy last year. Would be very manageable for first 2 years of school, a little harder during clinical years. If you live alone you might need to get a dog walker or something. But if you are a dog lover as I am, definitely worth it. Great companion and way to get outside, go for walks, etc. I would, however, recommend getting one when you have at least a few weeks' worth of free time...the first month or so is the toughest and they really require a lot of attention early on for training and such. I say go for it.
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I'm going to get a dog, hopefully after I graduate from undergrad in May. It is dependent on my living situation as I would much rather prefer a large dog (Golden Retriever) and it would need atleast some yard. I've always wanted an indoor dog, and now looks like the time to do it.Claymore said:
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i dont own my cats, they own me
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Like this?surrender903 said:
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DODO said:
It's doable, but I'd recommend it for people who are established dog-lovers and have experience caring for them. If you would be a first time dog-parent, I'd wait till you graduated.
For me, I think that a cat is barely managable. I could not imagine having to be home in time to let a dog out to do his business every 8 hours or so. I am home for what is normally around 6 hours a day, 5 of that are for sleep.
My cat hates me right now because of this, but hates everyone else much more...so I guess thats alright. He is going to go live with my mom in July when I start 3rd yr clerkships...I do not plan on being home pretty much at all during 3rd and 4th year.
My cat hates me right now because of this, but hates everyone else much more...so I guess thats alright. He is going to go live with my mom in July when I start 3rd yr clerkships...I do not plan on being home pretty much at all during 3rd and 4th year.
Great Looking Leoat!MaloCCOM said:
Any other dog lovers out there that think it is doable or advice?
DODO said:
If you already have a dog, it is doable with some sacrifice on your side and a whole lot on the dog's...I think it would be absolutely unfair to (for the dog) for someone to go out and get one knowing they were about to embark on the torture session that is med school. Yes you can get dog walkers and the like, but why do it knowing the limited attention you will be capable of affording a dog for the next 5-8 years. It could also limit your clercships and away rotations etc. I say, don't be selfish, wait. If you need a fix find a friend, neighbor, etc that has one and take 'er for a walk...you can volunteer at the pound/animal rescue or go press your greasy nose against the window at pet quarters.
Of course it is different if you have a sig other that does not go to school...then I guess it is their decision to get or not get a dog.
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DODO said:
I have one cat that I've had for just shy of a year. He'll be moving to CA with my this summer for school. In fact, I'm going to drive cross-country with him. should be fun!
right now, it's not uncommon for him to be alone 12-14 hours a day, because I work full time and am in grad school full time. I think he'll be ok for years 1 and 2. I've already talked to my parents about keeping him for years 3 & 4. I'll probably try to keep him as long as I can, but if I end up moving around 4th year, he'll definitely go up to the ranch with mom and dad and be barn cat for a while.
Just a note... I have a dog and plan on taking her with me to med school - I've noticed a few people commented on how unfair the lack of attention will be. Unfortunately this is many a dog's life anyway. Take for example, I am a non-trad who currently works full time. Even if I only put in the miniumum 40 hours a week if you consider drive time and some occassional errands after work I'm often gone 10 hours a day either way. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't let the time commitment of med school scare you away from it. Just do the best you can to make the quality of time count, not the quantity (this is the same for people with kids). You may need to find a dog-walker or neighbor who could let him/her out for you on certain days, but if you want it bad enough I'm sure you could make it work.
DODO said:
I am currently in my second year of school and my wife and I own two dogs (Puppies actually). In my opinion, the 1st two years of medical school are a great time to get a dog and raise it properly. You have plenty of time when you are home studying or whatever and its nothing like rotations when you are essentially at 'work' 8-12 hours a day. If you are going to get a dog or want to have a dog around during medical school/residency, the first 2 years of school are really the only practical time to do it. After that you will either be tied down to rotations or to a residency and there will definitely not be time for raising one then. However, an adult dog during that time is no problem at all, especially if you have someone who can come home for lunch breaks. Good luck!
