Unsure... Need Advice!!!
 

I have been thinking recently about Baxter's welfare. I go to school part time, and work part time. I live in an apartment, and Baxter is mostly stuck in my room due to my roommate's lack of cleaning abilities. (The floor always has stuff on it that Baxter would surely eat if I wasn't with him.) I probably should have thought more about what I was getting myself into before I got him, but I didn't and now I'm worried that Baxter isn't having the best possible life he could have. Don't get me wrong; I play with him when I'm home, feed him good, take him out, etc. I just think he should be in a nice house with somebody that could always be home with him. Somewhere that he could run around all day and maybe some kids or something. I'm not saying I want to give him up yet, but I'm thinking that maybe I should. For both his and my benefit. This summer I will be in class from 930-5 almost every day, and on weekend nights I work. Baxter will be alone a lot and I just don't know what to do. I know dogs can be alone, but I also think Baxter would be happier with somebody else.

Ah! I just don't know! I love him to death! He means everything to me, but I'm worried that he just isn't as happy as he should be! And I want to focus on school right now, so having time for Baxter is getting tougher.

What do y'all think I should do??

Wow, this is tough. You need to think not just about now, but the rest of the dog's life. How many more years will you be in school? Can you find another person to live with? Do you know a family that could keep the dog a few days a week until you are out of school? When you get out of school, what will your life be like - will it be any better for the dog?

I guess if you are going to be in school for a few more years, then I think finding a new home would be a kindness. Wow, what a hard decision. I feel for you and the dog.

Do you think you could find a better living situation for the both of you? Maybe find a roommate who has a pet themselves (assuming they get along)?

Thanks for the quick response. :)

I will be in school for at least another four years, probably longer. I plan on going to grad school when I graduate from UNCC. I could POSSIBLY ask my mom, but she lives in an apartment with two cats. But she won't even dog sit him for a couple days! My dad, I'm almost positive, would not keep Baxter, even though he lives in a house. I might bring it up to him, but I doubt he would.

The thing is, after this summer, life for Baxter will get better, because I am moving into ANOTHER apartment with two other girls. He will THEN be able to run around the apartment freely, because it will just be us. My roommate currently has a big dog that likes to pick fights with Baxter, and though Baxter can stick up for himself, I don't like him playing so hard all the time.

So, yes, I have a dilemma. :(

I feel for you, I could never make that decision. If you feel it is best for Baxter's sake, then it may very well be. It's such a shame though. I don't know what I would do in that situation. I go to college for four classes but currently, I'm only going Tuesdays & Thursdays. And my job allows me to bring Jackson with me (I work at a dog boarding facility) and I luckily have a few dogsitters willing to watch him for me if I need to go away, etc. But I'm sorry :( I don't know how to make the decision easier for you.

Like I said, I will be moving out at the end of July. But I don't know what to do with him for the summer? I don't know. I just want Baxter to be happy. :cry:

Aw, that's nice! Baxter is my first dog ever, so that's why I'm just not sure if now is the right time to have a dog. But I already love him so much!!!

Only you know what is best for Baxter. I think it's awesome that you are putting his needs first.

When I was 16yrs old, I got a dog and was forced to move out on my own because of it. I found myself in the same situation as you are in. A very busy girl, trying to make ends meet and finish school. I felt bad that I didn't have much time for my puppy, but I did the best that I could. That dog ended up being THE best dog ever. She was my bestfriend, and everyone loved her. She was SO intelligent. I had her up until the summer of 2007, 15 yrs. Life eventually settled down for me, I finished school, I got married and had 3 kids...I quit work to become a stay at home Mom and I was able to spend tons of time with her after those first 3 yrs that I had her.

I guess what I'm trying to say is...all that you can do is your best. If you feel that you can really put the effort forth to keep him happy now, then you should keep him. He is going to be around for many, many yrs. Your life will change. It won't always be so hectic. But if you honestly feel that he would be better elsewhere, then let him go. Maybe you can even find someone that would allow you to visit him from time to time.

Good Luck with your decision. :)

How old is Baxter? That may make a difference in your decision...I do think a puppy would adjust to new surroundings, different people, better than an adult dog. That's just my feelings...I really think Winston, at 5 years old, would not survive well without us. Just give it some serious thought before making any thing final...maybe he is happy with you, happier than without you.

It's too bad that you don't live closer, I would take him for you while you needed the help :)

If you think it's just going to be tough in the summer, I would keep him. He's not going to be scarred if it's just three months, even though it will be hard for both of you. I hate to think of the two of you missing out on 15 years of affection because of a bad three months. Maybe you can find a cheap dog walker or sitter.

I'd be concerned about him living with a dog who bullies him, but you can cross that bridge when you come to it.

School is in
 

Our Yorkie attend Simon Fraser University with my dtr. He even rides the bus inside her jacket. He naps during lectures and she walks him berween classes. Many students do the same thing...I guess it is a Canada thing.

^You can bring your dog into the classroom? lol

It wasn't like that when I went to school here, that was only 7 yrs ago.

Yorkies attend University
 

Yes he goes to class and when she has lab work curls up on his bed and watches her. There are a lot of dogs getting deegrees these days and she doesn't have to leave him alon. After work she is a personal trainer and pups sits at the front counter. Everyone who comes in stops to greet her and say hello.