I also did college AND graduate school with Marley, supported myself and lived on my own, in 2 different states and many different housing situations (with roommates and without, no husband and kids and then husband and kids, apartments and houses!) If that dog is a priority to their owner including him or her in your plans is as easy as any other decision you have to make! To me it was never a question and like Elissa is saying it is very possible to make it work! Marley never suffered financially...was always up to date on her shots and cleanings, kenneling and grooming...it was part of my budget! I too know of 3 other friends who graduated with me from college (in 1996) with pets and they still have those pets they got in college! I know adult friends of mine (who have gotten quite a few lectures about correctly taking care pets from me) who have gone through a few dogs and given them away because they "didn't fit their lifestyle!" my opinion of who is the better candidate is very different!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArmaniMan  Lots of people do it, its certainly possible! I know many people who got pets during College (and now 3 years post college) I dont know a single one of them who has gotten rid of them. You actually seem to be in a better position then most because you are not deciding whether or not get a dog, you already have one, the issue is whether you will take him or he will stay home, right? So you can always go to school first, settle in for a few weeks and then bring him, or you can take him with you and if things dont work out send him back to your parents.
I also lived on my own, hours from my parents, supported myself and my pets and everything worked out fine. Neither my studies, nor my pets ever suffered. They both got the attention they deserved and needed from me. It can be done and honestly its not even that difficult, its really about whats important to you. I already stated all that in my first post, but you really need to think about what will be important to you while your in school! |