You are allowed your opinions about me..but do not state they are facts..

It must be nice to have all the answers to life at such a young age. :D

Well, as someone who had the experience of having 2 dogs while in college full time, I can just say that it was very hard. There is no way I could have dedicated the time needed to my studies AND to my dogs at the same time. At least not in the capacity that either would have deserved/needed. And I lived at home. I had help. Heaven help those who wouldn't. If you're going to be living at home, with lots of help from Mommy and Daddy, then yes, it's possible to swing both. But if you are going to be the primary caregiver, living with the dog away from home, I just don't think it would be an easy task to take on.

And yes, I think that generally speaking, the maturity and commitment level of young adults (say, under 25) leaves a lot to be desired. (And that is not just restricted to pets.) Of course there are always exceptions, but I think that some things can only come from age and experience in the "real world."

Danielle, you sound like a really responsible girl that has Cody's best interests at heart. As long as you go with your yorkie mommy instincts, I'm sure you'll make the right decisions.

I was in a similar situation almost four years ago, when I joined YT as a freshman in college. I was thinking about getting a yorkie, and while I got both positive and negative opinions from the people here (there are always positive and negative opinions here...), I decided that I wanted to make the commitment. I don't regret getting Wobie at all, and I think it was the perfect time to do it.

We've been through a lot of transitions, but Wobie has always been my priority. I am also proud to say that I've lived on my own, and worked a full time job for the four years of my college career, but Wobie has never been anything less than spoiled. It is possible!

The only time his care has ever been in anyone else's hands was when I was in Morocco working in an orphanage for two months. I left him with my mom. She'll also be watching him when I join the Peace Corps. So I suppose a supportive family is also neccessary, but it seems like you have that. :)

Good luck with whatever you decide! :D

Lots of people do it, its certainly possible! I know many people who got pets during College (and now 3 years post college) I dont know a single one of them who has gotten rid of them. You actually seem to be in a better position then most because you are not deciding whether or not get a dog, you already have one, the issue is whether you will take him or he will stay home, right? So you can always go to school first, settle in for a few weeks and then bring him, or you can take him with you and if things dont work out send him back to your parents.

I also lived on my own, hours from my parents, supported myself and my pets and everything worked out fine. Neither my studies, nor my pets ever suffered. They both got the attention they deserved and needed from me. It can be done and honestly its not even that difficult, its really about whats important to you. I already stated all that in my first post, but you really need to think about what will be important to you while your in school!

Age has nothing to do with it!
 

I haven't read through this whole thread yet but this comment caused me to stop and respond already!! First of all, who of us, college student or not has a crystal ball and can see what the future will hold? While I agree that the optimal candidate for a dog might not be a college student there are plenty of settled adults who shouldn't be a candidate anymore than a college student! The thing that should be looked at is the maturity of the person and the love, care and commitment it can bring to a dog...period. I got my cocker spaniel Marley from a boyfriend at the age of 19 in college...through many of life's ups and downs she was there for me and I for her. We were the best of friends and she was the one who kept me sane through a few of life's tragedies including a divorce and several miscarriages to name a few. I never would have considered even a first date with anyone who didn't accept Marley too, wouldn't have chosen a place to live where she couldn't have come right along with me! Never in a million years could I have imagined where my life would take me in the 17 years she was alive AND WITH ME the entire time! What I did know was that we would do it together! I held her in my arms last march as she passed from this earth into a final resting place and one thing is for certain, she has and always will be my best friend and I hers. The argument should not be a whether a college student can own a dog but whether anyone college student or not is prepared to make a commitment to that dog whatever life brings, whatever that "crystal ball" holds for the entirety of that dog's life! Judging whether or not college students can own dogs in one foul swoop is a mistake...it clearly is about any person's commitment to the dog they will own and age has absolutely nothing to do with it as most of us know full well...

:love: :love: :thumbup:

In regards to many of aspects in life, I have to agree with that. I have encountered some people in life that are grown adults that act like absolute idiots.

Then there are somethings that you just have to learn with time and through experience and that has nothing to do with maturity. And it's something that teenagers and young adults simply just do not have.

I also did college AND graduate school with Marley, supported myself and lived on my own, in 2 different states and many different housing situations (with roommates and without, no husband and kids and then husband and kids, apartments and houses!) If that dog is a priority to their owner including him or her in your plans is as easy as any other decision you have to make! To me it was never a question and like Elissa is saying it is very possible to make it work! Marley never suffered financially...was always up to date on her shots and cleanings, kenneling and grooming...it was part of my budget! I too know of 3 other friends who graduated with me from college (in 1996) with pets and they still have those pets they got in college! I know adult friends of mine (who have gotten quite a few lectures about correctly taking care pets from me) who have gone through a few dogs and given them away because they "didn't fit their lifestyle!" my opinion of who is the better candidate is very different!