[Britster]

I am in college, so I can give you first hand experience. I am 20yrs old, in the local community college, currently majoring in business and almost finished my associates. I plan on hopefully attending a four year university within the next year, but I have also contemplated becoming a vet tech, just to have an extra 'degree' on the side and keep my options open. Bottom line, I don't even know 100% what I want to do yet.

I got Jackson when I was 18 years old. I don't really even know what got into me, I suddenly wanted a dog of MY own. Not a family dog. So, Jackson came home on December 13th, 2008... 6 months after I graduated high school. For most people, getting a dog then would not have been a good decision. But for me, it was perfect timing. I had all the time in the world (winter break) to train a dog, bond, etc. And let me tell you, a puppy is HARD work. I was used to sleeping in really late, staying up late, though never was a big partyer. I was so tired when he was a puppy, I was crashing every night around 8:30pm, because I was awaken in the middle of the night once or twice for the first, oh, 2 months or so. Up every morning at 7am, potty time, and then puppy would need playtime. It worked out though, we created our own little schedule. Bedtime was 8pm, middle of night wake up call was usually midnight, and then again at 3:30-4am, then up again at 7-8am. Pretty much my whole winter break was dedicated and spent with him. Once I was back in school, it was only 3 days a week and from maybe 10am-3pm so he was fine in his expen when I left. I also live at home and do have the occasional help of my stepdad if necessary. Very rare but if there is ever a moment I can't be home on time, he can usually let him out for me.

Now, at almost 2 years old, there's no more of the waking in the night, etc. He gets let out at 11-midnight and sleeps until 9am or later. But don't think it's still an easy ride. Jackson requires a ton of attention and time. Sometimes, I do have to cancel plans or something I maybe wanted to do because I have a dog. But to me, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to pay and is worth the companionship of Jackson. We spend a lot of time together, he's a pretty high energy dog who requires a lot of attention, as a lot of terriers are. Walks daily are a must. He needs a place to run a few times a week so we go to the dog park or my dads house, etc. I spend a lot of money on him, both with unnecessary things (LOL) and the requirements. He came up limping last year, and it ended up being a $400 vet visit... that was $400 I really didn't "have" but I just made it work. I was broke for a while, lol.

I don't want to discourage you, because I think having a dog is an amazing thing. Jackson is my best friend and companion and I can't imagine life without him. I would never suggest owning a dog to every college student though. I think it just depends on the individual. 99% of my friends could never own one. They are far too much into themselves (which is fine) and are much more concerned with finding the latest parties or hooking up with the hottest people than caring for a living species that needs love, attention, food, exercise, etc. I am able to provide Jackson with everything that he needs and my lifestyle works with having a dog. I think you just need to base it off of your lifestyle and if a dog can accommodate to it.

Will my life change a ton over the next 10 years? YES. Do I think that means I shouldn't have a dog? NO. You can be 60 years old and your life could change drastically over the next few years. Anyone can have life changing experiences whether it be divorce, moving, having kids, etc, at any age.... if that were the case, nobody could own dogs. Jackson will always be a part of my life, for the rest of his life, no matter what happens in mine. He's family.

By the way, I've spoken to a reputable breeder of Papillons, and a few Silky Terrier breeders, and both were willing to sell me a dog, regardless of my age. All I have to do is show them the time and effort I have put into Jackson, and I explain my lifestyle truthfully to them.