damn, i had to get a job when i turned 16 and i was out on my own at 21.... i work with kids too
i am an instructional assistant for preschool, i make pretty good money (enough to pay bills)... if you are interested you should go to the school districts head office and see if they have any openings it's a great way to stay grounded (who can get too serious when they go to work and play???..lol).... tell youre brother i admire him for supporting his family, it is really important
as far as the size thing goes....lol... im REALLY picky, i wanted the dog to be around 8lbs (which is what we think toby is going to be).... that weight is a little small for a silky and a little large for a yorkie.... so..... i just got the largest yorkie i could find (with floppy ears)..... besides the larger yorkies that are going to be more than standard size are usually way less than the cost for small or average ones......