similar to previous puppy question

[futureMD09]

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I read a thread before about someone questioning getting a dog & I have a similar situation. I right now have a deposit down on a toy breed puppy (only a 3 pounder) that I will get about 1 month before orientation (extra time to train him). I will be living home during school, but I am still unsure on if it is really a good idea. It will give me something to look forward to coming home to, but I don't know what to expect from school in terms of being able to take care of him (especially 3rd and 4th year). Living at home isnt going to be all that exciting, but i know my parents will help me slightly with dog care & that I'll love him. Let me know what you think...

 

[IAmAUser]

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[futureMD09]

Have a talk with your parents about how much they are willing to help. When you're at the hospital for 12 hours straight on rotations, will they be willing/able to feed/walk/take your dog to the bathroom every few hours? If not, you'll need to find a good backup plan like a neighbor or a pet sitter who you might have to pay. Also, if you are graduating med school in '09, your dog won't even be middle-aged by then. What will you do with your pet during residency? Will your parents take him/her? A healthy dog will live 10-15 years or more. It's definitely doable, but you have to be committed and have a good idea of how you'll manage things, or your dog will be the one who suffers.
Good luck

Thanks for getting back to me. I was hoping to get a variety of answers, but I guess no one is interested. I haven't made up my mind for sure, but it is looking like I'm gonna have to backout on this breeder which isn't going to be fun. I really just dont want my parents to have that kind of responsibility because of MY pet. This whole transition would be a lot easier if I had someone around to help me out. Just an unfortunate situation I've gotten myself into.

 

[pillowhead]

Thanks for getting back to me. I was hoping to get a variety of answers, but I guess no one is interested. I haven't made up my mind for sure, but it is looking like I'm gonna have to backout on this breeder which isn't going to be fun. I really just dont want my parents to have that kind of responsibility because of MY pet. This whole transition would be a lot easier if I had someone around to help me out. Just an unfortunate situation I've gotten myself into.

It must be very hard to backout on getting a puppy, but it sounds like it's the right thing to do. My husband and I just adopted an adult dog about three weeks ago, and it's a ton of work. Our dog pretty much came house-trained and is pretty lazy (he's a basset hound), and it's still tough. A puppy is going to be much more work than an adult dog because they need proper training, socialization, far more potty breaks and meal times, etc. A lot more expensive, too--have to pay for neuter/spaying, vaccinations, etc. I really recommend against a single person getting any dog. My sister-in-law did and basically, her parents ended up taking care of it which seemed very unfair to everyone, including the dog. If you must get a dog, at least adopt an adult. It's cheaper than a breeder, you're doing a good deed by rescuing an abandoned dog, you will usually get a much calmer animal, and unlike with a puppy, what you see is what you get. If you want a pure-bred toy breed, check with local breed rescue group. For example, we got our dog from Basset Rescue of GA, and there are also groups that specialize in small and toy breeds in general. There are far more options that just breeders and the pound.

 

[Sharkfan]

One of my friends/classmates got a puppy this past May, right around exams after our first year, and somehow it worked out fine. He has a house with a backyard and doggy door, and his family is in town and DON'T MIND taking care of it when he can't, which is really only if he goes out of town for some reason (ie cruise, fishing, etc). So it can work, but I guess the willing/happy/cooperative family in town is a major factor. But honestly, he has had no problems with his puppy.

On another note, I watch my father's dog when he is out of town on business, which is A LOT. And once again, everything works out fine. I can leave her in the house for 12+ hours without a problem (she just sleeps, honestly), and she makes for great study breaks.

Bottom line: it can work, if you want it to. I mean, hey, a lot of people manage to have children in med school!