My Situation - any advice, info, etc.

[Julz]

I think you probably heard everything you needed to; both sides of getting a Yorkie or not. I believe you should take this all in, think it over (even the parts you may not want to, such as emergencies), and don't do ANYTHING until you have been in school for 6 months. You will know more at that point if you will have the time and patience that you will need. Remember, if you do get one, this will probably be a pet that will still be with you when you graduate, move out, and even when you get married. If it is your hearts desire, it will happen when the time is right. I don't think it is an "AGE" thing at all, but it is a "TIME" thing. They are crazy little buggers for atleast the first year of their lives.

[ingallsra]

Having been through many years of college, and also now out working full time, my best advice is to wait til you've had a few months in school. By then you'll have a good idea of any time issues that you think might be a problem. My guess is that it probably won't be as bad as you think. Not to mention a furry companion can be a tremendous stress reliever.
I can say from experience that I was home much more during college than I am now. I'm typically gone 9 hours a day. I still find time for my babies.
It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into this--you sound very intelligent and responsible, so you'll know what is right for you.
None of us ever has as much time as we would like. It isn't really fair for someone to say that you shouldn't get a dog because by their standards you won't have enough time for it...I'd never have a dog in that case. I live by myself, pay my own bills, and work full time and some overtime. That's what I have to do to survive. It still works out for my pets though, and there's nothing I love more than to get home in the morning and see my babies! (three dogs and two cats--and the wonderful horse I've had for 12 years)
Basically it comes down to the other things in you life, besides school, that you are willing to forego in order to have a puppy.
Good luck, and let us know what happens. And welcome to YT!!!

[kewtee]

Can you put aside 50$ EVERY month? Then by all means go buy a yorkie!

It will need shots when you get it, it's teeth done at 1 year old, then you'll need money for shots every second year, teeth cleaning, emergencies etc etc.
So look at your budget and if you can't fit 50$ a month in a savings account, then wait till you can.

You sound very responsible and I am glad you'll take full responsibility - I am sure you will make the right decision!

[Marie]

Im glad that your doing your research before getting your new pup. I will say to wait until you start college and see your situation and see if getting a pup is a good idea. The idea of starting to save now is a good one.
I spent in food at least $12 a month that is not counting treats. The first year you will spent at least $500 in vet and meds, that is without counting emergencies. Yorkies need your time to be train and take care off. You seem very responsible, so I hope that you make the rite decision. Good luck.

[sillyjacki]

Hi and welcome!

I'm 20, entering my 3rd year of college and I have just now gotten a Yorkie puppy. I did have support from my parents, which took a little time. They also helped me with initial costs (vet checks and shots), and my mom even bought my Roxy for me.

I waited because I wanted to be comefortable enough with my college experience that I could confidently bring a baby into my world without putting the dogs health or safety into question. The first year of college is so crazy. Seriously, even if you live in the same town (and I have friends who do), you will be making friends, going to parties and activities, and you'll feel bogged down with work. I would wait at least as long as the first quarter/semester to get your sea legs. That also gives you some time to save a small chunk of cash.

I didn't think a Yorkie would be too much money beyond the basics, but once I got Roxy, all I wanted to do was shop for cute clothes and toys, etc. As you will learn, it can become addictive.

Have fun and plan ahead. You can never be too prepared! Good luck.

[sophiedog]

Welcome and good luck! I went back to school at 40 and got my first yorkie in my second semester. I guess I was lucky being a theatre major because she was always welcome at rehearsals and a lot of my classes. I even had one teacher who always brought his mastiff (he was a costumer and had a large office). As a matter of fact, I met my first yorkies on campus! I commuted 45 miles and being in my major had to spend lots of time in the evening at campus. My little Sophie never lacked attention! I would suggest checking things out at your school, some are doggie friendly, I know mine was. When I had a class outside my major, I talked to the teacher about the days I might bring my dog, she was very well behaved, I would leave her at home or with someone I trusted on campus (my teach with the mastiff for example) during those classes I couldn't have her with me. I even took her to auditions and most of the time the professors wanted to keep her with them during the time!
Hope you do well in college, you sound like a very mature girl and quite responsible!

[mikemyersfan]

Thanks everyone!!! Your words have truly helped me! I have decided I will wait until I have started college so I can see what kind of lifestyle I will have, and what time I have available. I've had a part time job for 3 years now so I know I can save at least $50 a month for emergencies/other vet bills, so thanks for that tip kewtee. I will also have access to some money when I turn 19 which I know could be a major benefit for any unexpected surgeries, etc.
I will be eagerly awaiting the day I can get my own little yorkie thanks again!!

- Krista

[kewtee]

I will be eagerly awaiting the day I can get my own little yorkie thanks again!!

And we will eagerly be awaiting pictures and stories of your little baby

[JCarlson2004]

Here's the low down on my dogs (but remember I have 2 dogs, so my bills are double):

I spend about $100 on food and treats a month (greenies, chicken jerky strips, chewlotta bones, dry dog food, nutrical, eucalyptus bones, etc.)

If you're going to spay/neuter your dog (which I highly recommend), it can cost for the surgery and medication anywhere from $100 to $200 - but I live in NY so prices are higher here. Maybe it's cheaper where you live. But this is only a one time bill.

Annual shots are around $125 for 1 of my dogs

My dogs go to a groomer about every 6 weeks and it costs $40 per dog, although I am sure there are places that are much cheaper. I just spend this type of money because I LOVE my dog's groomer.

Yorkies are fragile dogs and can get hurt easily. So just be prepared to have to take them to the vet if necessary at a moments notice. Do you need help finding a breeder? Have you considered adopting a dog? Check out www.petfinder.com They have some really beautiful yorkies available. Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further help or PM me.

[Mystify79]

Originally Posted by mikemyersfan

Thanks everyone!!! Your words have truly helped me! I have decided I will wait until I have started college so I can see what kind of lifestyle I will have, and what time I have available. I've had a part time job for 3 years now so I know I can save at least $50 a month for emergencies/other vet bills, so thanks for that tip kewtee. I will also have access to some money when I turn 19 which I know could be a major benefit for any unexpected surgeries, etc.
I will be eagerly awaiting the day I can get my own little yorkie thanks again!!

- Krista

Good for you! I'm glad you came here to get all the info you could before you actually made the commitment. Good luck with college and we'll be waiting to hear all about your puppy when you finally get one.