Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximo  I agree with points made above. Top considerations:
1) Money for vet bills. Even healthy dogs can rack up big bills for vaccinations, exams, heartworm and flea and tick preventatives. What happens if your Yorkie happens to have a liver shunt or other congenital problem? These problems cost anywhere from $1500 to thousands more.
2) Potty training: the first year is the most intense and potty training often frustrates people with puppies.
3) Yorkies do like company. How much time each day will your pup be alone?
I think it is great that you are being thoughtful about this. |
I agree with Kristin on he above points. Please be honest with yourself on the financial aspect of having a dog. It can take a toll on you if you're not prepared.
However, I also want to point out there are no guarantees in life. I joined this forum while still in college, and was puppy-less. I waited until after I graduated and had a job to finally add my baby boy Kaji to my family. Guess what happened?!?! I've been let go/fired at least 4 times and kicked out of my home in the last 3 years. The "adult" world offers no guarantees either. I also feel like I have less time to spend with Kaji. I now have a permanent position at an agency (that might not exist come July). I'm away from home for 9 hours a day, am taking a class work is paying for, and am no fun when I get home because its homework time. While in school I was a giant bookworm. I was always writing papers at home, researching the universities archives from the comfort Of my home. I had my roommates little dog for company on those long days. He was my destessor. When fed up, and my mind was blocked, I would harness the little Pom up, and go for a walk. With my mind clear and a pup's silly ness as a welcomed distraction, I would go home and finish my papers. It can work. It does work. You just have to be realistic about your goals and expectations with the puppy. It will be inconvenient at times, like needing a potty break when you're on a roll with your studying.
Depending on you, you're personality, and what you're willing to sacrifice it can work. A possible sacrifice is maybe going out with your friends 1 time a week vs 3-4 to have more time training your new furry friend) also, have a backup plan. Who can help, and is more than willing to pitch in if times get tough. For me, those people were my big brother and my parents. My parents took us in when my landlord stopped making his mortgage payments and my roommates and I were given the boot. And even though all that negativity is going on, and I really can't say I have 100% stability, I'm extremely happy. Kaji is always there to greet me excitedly at the door. He's always there to give me a "Good morning! I want to be fed" kiss everyday. I
him and he makes my life complete. No matter what happens he's always there to comfort me, listen when I need to vent, cuddle with when I'm feeling blue, and is absolutely silly when I need a pick me up. I
Kaji and I wish I had gotten him sooner.
Sorry for my long, rambling post!