peace corps and yorkies - YorkieTalk.com Forums

mikeymikey · 03-12-2009, 02:25 PM

hi!

i frequented this forum a few years ago. but the further i progressed in college, the less time i had for yorkie talk. i doubt anyone would remember me, but just in case- i've posted an old pic.

i have a yorkie named baxter. i've had him for about... 3 years now? i rescued him when he was around 1 year old from a family who thought they wanted a small dog, but then didn't have the time to invest in him.

to update, i'm now a senior in college and i should be graduating (hopefully!) with my B.A. in cognitive psychology next december.

the problem is, i've always wanted to join the peace corps.

Peace Corps

for two years i'd go live in an under developed country. i would work with communities who need help with HIV/AIDs awareness/education and basic reading/writing skills. this has been something i've wanted to do since high school. i've already submitted my application and i've gone for my first interview. they're wanting to place me within the six months after my graduation.

this is a huge crossroads in my life.

i don't mind leaving my family for two years. they'll be fine. this is an opportunity to take an active roll in bettering peoples lives and representing one of the better aspect of our country in a time when we look kinda bad to the rest of the world. but the one problem with this whole situation is my responsibilty to my dog.

i love baxter so much. this dog is one of the most important persons (yes, person) in my life. he was a mess when i first got him. he was anxious and it was obvious that he was unsocialized and abused (or at least neglected, which i consider abuse). but now he's happy! he has a stable enviroment and i make it a point to cuddle with him every night before we sleep.

i feel such a sense of responsibilty to this dog. my parents want to keep him for the two years i'm gone. they love him, but they're just not affectionate with animals. they wont let him sleep with them, not even in their room. and they work all day. they wont be able to give him all the attention that i think he needs.

also, i feel like he's going to think i abandoned him. this absolutely kills me. that thought makes me want to not even join the peace corps. but then i'd be giving up an amazing opportunity that could open huge doors for my future.

my parents think it's silly for me to be so upset about leaving him. they say "he's a dog, he'll be fine."

but will he? i don't know.

i thought about trying to find another family to take him. but that idea just... sigh... i don't know if i could handle not being able to have him back when i returned. i know that's selfish. but i don't know if i could feel good about myself if i just gave him away. he doesn't feel like property to just give away, he feels like a child to me.

i need advice. this is killing me.

TeresaM · 03-12-2009, 03:37 PM

What a great thing you want to do! And what a cutie Baxter is!! I wish you lived in Dallas, I'd love to help you out be 'keeping' him until you returned.

Perhaps there is someone on YT that is looking for a temporary situation. Good luck and please keep us posted about what you decide.

phfgkl · 03-12-2009, 03:40 PM

You have to follow your heart The Peace Corpes would be good for you. If your parents would keep your little guy, that's what I would do. He knows them, and it would be easier on him than it would be to move him to someone that he didn't know for those 2 years. He will be fine as long as he's with your family and he won't forget you, and you will be home in no time at all.
Like my hubby says, dogs don't think like people. As long as you feed them and give them attention they do fine. Don't feel bad, mine don't sleep with us either. we have our bed and the 4 little ones have their own beds.

bcrass2 · 03-12-2009, 04:39 PM

If I lived closer I definitely would help you out. I would take any furbaby in. We have a loving family that loves dogs! There's got to be more people out there that would be willing to take Baxter while you're gone.

You are doing a wonderful thing!!! Don't give up that dream

kalina82 · 03-12-2009, 04:46 PM

Hi Mikey I remember you. Its been a long time since we've seen you around here.

Its wonderful that your considering the peace corps. your absolutely right, it would be a huge opportunity for your future and probably open many doors.

I wish i could help but i wouldn't know what to do either in that situation. My sister at least would be able to take morgan in and do all those things your parents won't. But 2 years is such a long time. I think it would be harder on me then "the dog".

Is there no one else you trust that loves baxter that would be able to watch him while your gone? friends, relatives, siblings? maybe they would love him more as a little furbutt then your parents would as a dog?

daylee · 03-12-2009, 07:28 PM

I would leave him with your parents that way you will get him back when you get back home.Plus you won't be back to even visit during those 2 years?For Christmas or anything?You can even call home and talk to him.I feel he will be fine and not be harmed from it at all.I am sure they love him or they wouldn't have offered.Good Luck on your decision.

TOY · 03-12-2009, 09:36 PM

Although you say your parents will be fine, they will miss you terribly. I think it would help your Yorkie and your parents if you left Baxter with them.

When they miss you (and make no mistake, they will), they would have each other for support and consolation.

We never think others can love our children or pets as well as we do. That is a natural feeling but because you love Baxter so much, your parents will find comfort in looking after him and providing for him.

Of course he will have a different relationship with them than he does with you. That, too, is the natural order of things. Let them do this for you so that they are a part of your journey.

You have set forth a brave and honorable service to others. Your parents are probably bursting at the seams in their pride and awe of you regardless of whether they verbally or emotionally convey that to you.

Let them do this for you and for Baxter. You will find comfort knowing that he is not uprooted nor gone from your life. Baxter will find comfort in continuing to be where so many memories were made. He will be reassured, too, in the lingering scent of his human...you.

No doubt Baxter will miss you but in familiar surroundings, he can "feel" your presence and find a peace that he may not be able to find elsewhere.

Your parents need Baxter while you are away just as much as he needs them. What better solace than to share your time with someone who loves and treasures the same one you do?

In case you haven't thought of this, I would strongly suggest taking a tape recorder so you can send greetings back to Baxter. I think being able to talk to him will help the both of you and I know the comfort it will bring your parents to hear your voice.

You are a special young man to so unselfishly give of yourself. Allow yourself to reach peace over this decision and give yourself the luxury of knowing you will be reunited with Baxter when you return.

Godspeed and God bless.

keylargolady100 · 03-13-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOY

Although you say your parents will be fine, they will miss you terribly. I think it would help your Yorkie and your parents if you left Baxter with them.

When they miss you (and make no mistake, they will), they would have each other for support and consolation.

We never think others can love our children or pets as well as we do. That is a natural feeling but because you love Baxter so much, your parents will find comfort in looking after him and providing for him.

Of course he will have a different relationship with them than he does with you. That, too, is the natural order of things. Let them do this for you so that they are a part of your journey.

You have set forth a brave and honorable service to others. Your parents are probably bursting at the seams in their pride and awe of you regardless of whether they verbally or emotionally convey that to you.

Let them do this for you and for Baxter. You will find comfort knowing that he is not uprooted nor gone from your life. Baxter will find comfort in continuing to be where so many memories were made. He will be reassured, too, in the lingering scent of his human...you.

No doubt Baxter will miss you but in familiar surroundings, he can "feel" your presence and find a peace that he may not be able to find elsewhere.

Your parents need Baxter while you are away just as much as he needs them. What better solace than to share your time with someone who loves and treasures the same one you do?

In case you haven't thought of this, I would strongly suggest taking a tape recorder so you can send greetings back to Baxter. I think being able to talk to him will help the both of you and I know the comfort it will bring your parents to hear your voice.

You are a special young man to so unselfishly give of yourself. Allow yourself to reach peace over this decision and give yourself the luxury of knowing you will be reunited with Baxter when you return.

Godspeed and God bless.

I couldn't agree more. Wonderful Post

mikeymikey · 03-15-2009, 06:33 PM

wow.. thank you so much for all of your advice.

and Toy, wow. Thank you.

i think you're right. hearing that from other dog-lovers gives me much more peace of mind. this is exactly what i needed to hear.

thank you.

03-12-2009, 02:25 PM	#1
mikeymikey YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tupelo, Mississippi Posts: 2	peace corps and yorkies hi! i frequented this forum a few years ago. but the further i progressed in college, the less time i had for yorkie talk. i doubt anyone would remember me, but just in case- i've posted an old pic. i have a yorkie named baxter. i've had him for about... 3 years now? i rescued him when he was around 1 year old from a family who thought they wanted a small dog, but then didn't have the time to invest in him. to update, i'm now a senior in college and i should be graduating (hopefully!) with my B.A. in cognitive psychology next december. the problem is, i've always wanted to join the peace corps. Peace Corps for two years i'd go live in an under developed country. i would work with communities who need help with HIV/AIDs awareness/education and basic reading/writing skills. this has been something i've wanted to do since high school. i've already submitted my application and i've gone for my first interview. they're wanting to place me within the six months after my graduation. this is a huge crossroads in my life. i don't mind leaving my family for two years. they'll be fine. this is an opportunity to take an active roll in bettering peoples lives and representing one of the better aspect of our country in a time when we look kinda bad to the rest of the world. but the one problem with this whole situation is my responsibilty to my dog. i love baxter so much. this dog is one of the most important persons (yes, person) in my life. he was a mess when i first got him. he was anxious and it was obvious that he was unsocialized and abused (or at least neglected, which i consider abuse). but now he's happy! he has a stable enviroment and i make it a point to cuddle with him every night before we sleep. i feel such a sense of responsibilty to this dog. my parents want to keep him for the two years i'm gone. they love him, but they're just not affectionate with animals. they wont let him sleep with them, not even in their room. and they work all day. they wont be able to give him all the attention that i think he needs. also, i feel like he's going to think i abandoned him. this absolutely kills me. that thought makes me want to not even join the peace corps. but then i'd be giving up an amazing opportunity that could open huge doors for my future. my parents think it's silly for me to be so upset about leaving him. they say "he's a dog, he'll be fine." but will he? i don't know. i thought about trying to find another family to take him. but that idea just... sigh... i don't know if i could handle not being able to have him back when i returned. i know that's selfish. but i don't know if i could feel good about myself if i just gave him away. he doesn't feel like property to just give away, he feels like a child to me. i need advice. this is killing me. Attached Thumbnails

03-12-2009, 03:37 PM	#2
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	What a great thing you want to do! And what a cutie Baxter is!! I wish you lived in Dallas, I'd love to help you out be 'keeping' him until you returned. Perhaps there is someone on YT that is looking for a temporary situation. Good luck and please keep us posted about what you decide. __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

03-12-2009, 03:40 PM	#3
phfgkl BANNED! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,376	You have to follow your heart The Peace Corpes would be good for you. If your parents would keep your little guy, that's what I would do. He knows them, and it would be easier on him than it would be to move him to someone that he didn't know for those 2 years. He will be fine as long as he's with your family and he won't forget you, and you will be home in no time at all. Like my hubby says, dogs don't think like people. As long as you feed them and give them attention they do fine. Don't feel bad, mine don't sleep with us either. we have our bed and the 4 little ones have their own beds. Last edited by phfgkl; 03-12-2009 at 03:42 PM.

03-12-2009, 04:39 PM	#4
bcrass2 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Snowflake, AZ, USA Posts: 672	If I lived closer I definitely would help you out. I would take any furbaby in. We have a loving family that loves dogs! There's got to be more people out there that would be willing to take Baxter while you're gone. You are doing a wonderful thing!!! Don't give up that dream __________________ Chloe and Little Man's Mommy We Miss you Milo!

03-12-2009, 04:46 PM	#5
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	Hi Mikey I remember you. Its been a long time since we've seen you around here. Its wonderful that your considering the peace corps. your absolutely right, it would be a huge opportunity for your future and probably open many doors. I wish i could help but i wouldn't know what to do either in that situation. My sister at least would be able to take morgan in and do all those things your parents won't. But 2 years is such a long time. I think it would be harder on me then "the dog". Is there no one else you trust that loves baxter that would be able to watch him while your gone? friends, relatives, siblings? maybe they would love him more as a little furbutt then your parents would as a dog? __________________ Kellie and Morgan

03-12-2009, 07:28 PM	#6
daylee YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: OHIO Posts: 379	I would leave him with your parents that way you will get him back when you get back home.Plus you won't be back to even visit during those 2 years?For Christmas or anything?You can even call home and talk to him.I feel he will be fine and not be harmed from it at all.I am sure they love him or they wouldn't have offered.Good Luck on your decision.

03-12-2009, 09:36 PM	#7
TOY Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,094 Blog Entries: 4	Although you say your parents will be fine, they will miss you terribly. I think it would help your Yorkie and your parents if you left Baxter with them. When they miss you (and make no mistake, they will), they would have each other for support and consolation. We never think others can love our children or pets as well as we do. That is a natural feeling but because you love Baxter so much, your parents will find comfort in looking after him and providing for him. Of course he will have a different relationship with them than he does with you. That, too, is the natural order of things. Let them do this for you so that they are a part of your journey. You have set forth a brave and honorable service to others. Your parents are probably bursting at the seams in their pride and awe of you regardless of whether they verbally or emotionally convey that to you. Let them do this for you and for Baxter. You will find comfort knowing that he is not uprooted nor gone from your life. Baxter will find comfort in continuing to be where so many memories were made. He will be reassured, too, in the lingering scent of his human...you. No doubt Baxter will miss you but in familiar surroundings, he can "feel" your presence and find a peace that he may not be able to find elsewhere. Your parents need Baxter while you are away just as much as he needs them. What better solace than to share your time with someone who loves and treasures the same one you do? In case you haven't thought of this, I would strongly suggest taking a tape recorder so you can send greetings back to Baxter. I think being able to talk to him will help the both of you and I know the comfort it will bring your parents to hear your voice. You are a special young man to so unselfishly give of yourself. Allow yourself to reach peace over this decision and give yourself the luxury of knowing you will be reunited with Baxter when you return. Godspeed and God bless.

03-15-2009, 06:33 PM	#9
mikeymikey YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tupelo, Mississippi Posts: 2	wow.. thank you so much for all of your advice. and Toy, wow. Thank you. i think you're right. hearing that from other dog-lovers gives me much more peace of mind. this is exactly what i needed to hear. thank you.