Discouraged: i need HONEST opinions about this...

[Islandloverr]

Well, I'm STILL looking for my yorkie soulmate. & I'm getting a bit discouraged. I've been interested in some breeders but then when I mention I'm in college (studying to become a VET) I get rejected & get the "college= no money and no time" speech. So because I'm in college....I'm automatically a homless girl w/ a full booked up schedule? I'm not evaluated on how I CARE or will LOVE this yorkie! It doesn't seem like that part is even considered. Now I understand if I said I go away to college or a full time student....I go to school 3 days a week every other day for like 5-7 hours. I understand that is quite some time to be away from a yorkie....but I've seen yorkies handle more than that with NO PROBLEMS! I've heard people tell me that yorkies can't handle that & I've heard other owners tell me that they can.

So let me make my situation clear so you can understand it & tell me your honest opinions:

*I don't owe any loans because I never filed for one.
*my tuition payments will be done NEXT MONTH, already bought my books for this year.
*my schedule once again is 3 days a week every other day for a few hours (the most 7)
(I didn't even iclude the holidays yet)

So here's the question of the day....reading about my situation & fully understanding it.....should I not be allowed to get a yorkie?

What are your views on it I need HONEST (not blunt, or harsh) opinions.
& if I get enough reponses that say I shouldn't.....I will just COMPLETELY FORGET about ever getting a yorkie. Ill just stick with goldfish & cats.

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

Well, I'm STILL looking for my yorkie soulmate. & I'm getting a bit discouraged. I've been interested in some breeders but then when I mention I'm in college (studying to become a VET) I get rejected & get the "college= no money and no time" speech. So because I'm in college....I'm automatically a homless girl w/ a full booked up schedule? I'm not evaluated on how I CARE or will LOVE this yorkie! It doesn't seem like that part is even considered. Now I understand if I said I go away to college or a full time student....I go to school 3 days a week every other day for like 5-7 hours. I understand that is quite some time to be away from a yorkie....but I've seen yorkies handle more than that with NO PROBLEMS! I've heard people tell me that yorkies can't handle that & I've heard other owners tell me that they can.

So let me make my situation clear so you can understand it & tell me your honest opinions:

*I don't owe any loans because I never filed for one.
*my tuition payments will be done NEXT MONTH, already bought my books for this year.
*my schedule once again is 3 days a week every other day for a few hours (the most 7)
(I didn't even iclude the holidays yet)

So here's the question of the day....reading about my situation & fully understanding it.....should I not be allowed to get a yorkie?

What are your views on it I need HONEST (not blunt, or harsh) opinions.
& if I get enough reponses that say I shouldn't.....I will just COMPLETELY FORGET about ever getting a yorkie. Ill just stick with goldfish & cats.

I'm not a breeder so I can't say if the reputable breeders would or not.
All I can tell you is we have two Yorkies & one Yorkie Poo. Someone is pretty much home with them all the time. Wrigley has separation anxiety and really likes to be around people 24/7.
A lot of Yorkies are not very independent and really like to be with their owners.
I'm not saying your school schedule is too heavy, but I'm sure with being in college you also have to factor in your social time. Do you live at home or by yourself? Would there be other people there?
Cost is a factor. Yorkies are an expensive breed for vet care, grooming, food, etc.. and you can't really overlook that either.
A lot to think about!

[kalina82]

Perhaps a young adult yorkie would be best in your situation. I don't see how being gone for 7 hours every other day is a problem. Most people are gone for at least 7 hours 5 days a week. The only problem I see is with young puppies and those hours. When i got mine i worked 8 hours a day but had a lunch break from 12-1 where i would go home to feed/take out my puppy. This made the situation work. If that's not possible then having a dog walker/neighbor/family member come over half way through your school hours would be next best. If neither of those options are viable then an adult is a better choice. They will have bigger bladders and be able to hold it throughout the day, plus there is less of a chance of them getting hypoglycemia.

try a rescue or a shelter. good luck

[megantheswimmer]

I'm a somewhat new Yorkie owner. I got Mango on July 2nd.

He is a lot of time and commitment. I don't think your school hours are that bad, but I think you are better off with a Young, but not adult, Yorkie if you'll be gone 3 days a week for 7 hours. Unless you don't mind cleaning up a huge mess from going to the bathroom.

When I'm at school (I'm in 11th grade, gone 7 hours a day 5 days a week now), my mom takes care of Mango. He does not like to be alone and will bark if no one is with him, cry, and sometimes if he wants our attention, he will pee.

While I think out of all my dogs (Siberian husky, and pug,) Mango is definitely my, dare i say, favorite, of them all because he has the MOST personality. I treat him like my kid! He goes wherever I go (except school), and follows me everywhere in the house. He is expensive, and costs continue to add up, but it is worth it. He is my baby!

[Islandloverr]

I'm home. I live w/ my mom, my cat & my goldfish. Lol.....but she gets home later than me. I already considered that how much all those things will cost & its not a problem. So are you saing that yorkies aren't a good breed for me? like, I should find another breed. I hope not because I've always wanted a yorkie. Pretty much all my life...

[yorkielady06]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

Well, I'm STILL looking for my yorkie soulmate. & I'm getting a bit discouraged. I've been interested in some breeders but then when I mention I'm in college (studying to become a VET) I get rejected & get the "college= no money and no time" speech. So because I'm in college....I'm automatically a homless girl w/ a full booked up schedule? I'm not evaluated on how I CARE or will LOVE this yorkie! It doesn't seem like that part is even considered. Now I understand if I said I go away to college or a full time student....I go to skool 3 days a week every other day for like 5-7 hours. I understand that is quite some time to be away from a yorkie....but I've seen yorkies handle more than that with NO PROBLEMS! I've heard people tell me that yorkies can't handle that & I've heard other owners tell me that they can.

So let me make my situation clear so you can understand it & tell me your honest opinions:

*I don't owe any loans because I never filed for one.
*my tuition payments will be done NEXT MONTH, already bought my books for this year.
*my schedule once again is 3 days a week every other day for a few hours (the most 7)
(I didn't even iclude the holidays yet)

So here's the question of the day....reading about my situation & fully understanding it.....should I not be allowed to get a yorkie?

What are your views on it I need HONEST (not blunt, or harsh) opinions.
& if I get enough reponses that say I shouldn't.....I will just COMPLETELY FORGET about ever getting a yorkie. Ill just stick with goldfish & cats.

I guess I can understand both sides actually. As a breeder I am very picky where my babies end up. I spend many countless hours from conception to birth of my babies. Then many more sitting by a whelping box with my stomach in knots, then after the delivery it is at least 12 weeks of baited breath to assure that each and every one of these babies has the best nutrition, health, care, handling and socializing. So overprotective is an understatement. So when a person answers "yes, I am in college" and appears young there are many sterotypes that go through my head.
1. Self first
2. Money to pay for school second.
3. Books and bills third.
4. Where does money come for health care and quality dog food?
5. How much time after working, schooling, and friends is left for my little yorkie pup that you want?
6. If you meet a guy and he doesnt like your dog?
7. How about a newborn skin kid? Where will my little on fit in?
8. How about your new job, will you have to move and live where no pets are allowed?
9. Can you really afford this?
The original purchase price of a Yorkie is nothing compared to the lifelong financial commitment of one. Just dog food alone is high ( each 5 pound bag of mine is 14 bucks). Treats, toys, beds, grooming (35 bucks each 6 weeks), vets charges (healthy visits 3 of them (300.00) plus a spay/neuter (150-300), and that is all within the first year alone and if all is healthy. Now add sickness and it is astronomical. Can you absorb that ? Do you have at least 2k in savings? How about a sick call at the emergency vet..just to walk in the door is 100.00 not counting care and most times runs at least 300 and upwards of 1000.00!!

I can also see your side. I have 4 skin kids (21, 20,19,19) and all in college. They have been raised around dogs, sat by whelping boxes, help with the socialization, and even the home placements. They know my process and would be trusted in a heartbeat with any of my babies. They also know they are not ready for that commitment but when they are I will be right by there sides. I know they have what it takes and understand that a pet is a family member.

I just wanted to kinda let you know where some breeders are coming from. You do seem sincere, but when evaluating the BEST homes for a baby and erring on the side of caution is always the best home. Maybe you could go to a breeders home, spend some time with them, and show them how sincere you are in finding a FUREVER baby. Maybe finding one that is over a year and already spayed/neutered would be a better fit and take your extra up front money and put it in an account just for the dog....Just an opinion and suggestion.

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

I'm home. I live w/ my mom, my cat & my goldfish. Lol.....but she gets home later than me. I already considered that how much all those things will cost & its not a problem. So are you saing that yorkies aren't a good breed for me? like, I should find another breed. I hope not because I've always wanted a yorkie. Pretty much all my life...

You live at home and commute to school? You don't live on campus? What does your mom say about this?

[Islandloverr]

Originally Posted by kalina82

Perhaps a young adult yorkie would be best in your situation. I don't see how being gone for 7 hours every other day is a problem. Most people are gone for at least 7 hours 5 days a week. The only problem I see is with young puppies and those hours. When i got mine i worked 8 hours a day but had a lunch break from 12-1 where i would go home to feed/take out my puppy. This made the situation work. If that's not possible then having a dog walker/neighbor/family member come over half way through your school hours would be next best. If neither of those options are viable then an adult is a better choice. They will have bigger bladders and be able to hold it throughout the day, plus there is less of a chance of them getting hypoglycemia.

try a rescue or a shelter. good luck

Yea I actually would prefer an older yorkie. I want a puppy....but if I can find a young adult that would definately be a bonus!

I was going to get this young adult from Cali...but the lady ended up being a "red flag" type of breeder. & everyone else wants 1800 & up for one.

I've actually have been checking the shelters....they have NO yorkies whatsoever. They don't even have dogs under 15 pounds.

[Britster]

I am in college, so I can give you first hand experience. I am 20yrs old, in the local community college, currently majoring in business and almost finished my associates. I plan on hopefully attending a four year university within the next year, but I have also contemplated becoming a vet tech, just to have an extra 'degree' on the side and keep my options open. Bottom line, I don't even know 100% what I want to do yet.

I got Jackson when I was 18 years old. I don't really even know what got into me, I suddenly wanted a dog of MY own. Not a family dog. So, Jackson came home on December 13th, 2008... 6 months after I graduated high school. For most people, getting a dog then would not have been a good decision. But for me, it was perfect timing. I had all the time in the world (winter break) to train a dog, bond, etc. And let me tell you, a puppy is HARD work. I was used to sleeping in really late, staying up late, though never was a big partyer. I was so tired when he was a puppy, I was crashing every night around 8:30pm, because I was awaken in the middle of the night once or twice for the first, oh, 2 months or so. Up every morning at 7am, potty time, and then puppy would need playtime. It worked out though, we created our own little schedule. Bedtime was 8pm, middle of night wake up call was usually midnight, and then again at 3:30-4am, then up again at 7-8am. Pretty much my whole winter break was dedicated and spent with him. Once I was back in school, it was only 3 days a week and from maybe 10am-3pm so he was fine in his expen when I left. I also live at home and do have the occasional help of my stepdad if necessary. Very rare but if there is ever a moment I can't be home on time, he can usually let him out for me.

Now, at almost 2 years old, there's no more of the waking in the night, etc. He gets let out at 11-midnight and sleeps until 9am or later. But don't think it's still an easy ride. Jackson requires a ton of attention and time. Sometimes, I do have to cancel plans or something I maybe wanted to do because I have a dog. But to me, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to pay and is worth the companionship of Jackson. We spend a lot of time together, he's a pretty high energy dog who requires a lot of attention, as a lot of terriers are. Walks daily are a must. He needs a place to run a few times a week so we go to the dog park or my dads house, etc. I spend a lot of money on him, both with unnecessary things (LOL) and the requirements. He came up limping last year, and it ended up being a $400 vet visit... that was $400 I really didn't "have" but I just made it work. I was broke for a while, lol.

I don't want to discourage you, because I think having a dog is an amazing thing. Jackson is my best friend and companion and I can't imagine life without him. I would never suggest owning a dog to every college student though. I think it just depends on the individual. 99% of my friends could never own one. They are far too much into themselves (which is fine) and are much more concerned with finding the latest parties or hooking up with the hottest people than caring for a living species that needs love, attention, food, exercise, etc. I am able to provide Jackson with everything that he needs and my lifestyle works with having a dog. I think you just need to base it off of your lifestyle and if a dog can accommodate to it.

Will my life change a ton over the next 10 years? YES. Do I think that means I shouldn't have a dog? NO. You can be 60 years old and your life could change drastically over the next few years. Anyone can have life changing experiences whether it be divorce, moving, having kids, etc, at any age.... if that were the case, nobody could own dogs. Jackson will always be a part of my life, for the rest of his life, no matter what happens in mine. He's family.

By the way, I've spoken to a reputable breeder of Papillons, and a few Silky Terrier breeders, and both were willing to sell me a dog, regardless of my age. All I have to do is show them the time and effort I have put into Jackson, and I explain my lifestyle truthfully to them.

[Islandloverr]

Originally Posted by yorkielady06

I guess I can understand both sides actually. As a breeder I am very picky where my babies end up. I spend many countless hours from conception to birth of my babies. Then many more sitting by a whelping box with my stomach in knots, then after the delivery it is at least 12 weeks of baited breath to assure that each and every one of these babies has the best nutrition, health, care, handling and socializing. So overprotective is an understatement. So when a person answers "yes, I am in college" and appears young there are many sterotypes that go through my head.
1. Self first
2. Money to pay for school second.
3. Books and bills third.
4. Where does money come for health care and quality dog food?
5. How much time after working, schooling, and friends is left for my little yorkie pup that you want?
6. If you meet a guy and he doesnt like your dog?
7. How about a newborn skin kid? Where will my little on fit in?
8. How about your new job, will you have to move and live where no pets are allowed?
9. Can you really afford this?
The original purchase price of a Yorkie is nothing compared to the lifelong financial commitment of one. Just dog food alone is high ( each 5 pound bag of mine is 14 bucks). Treats, toys, beds, grooming (35 bucks each 6 weeks), vets charges (healthy visits 3 of them (300.00) plus a spay/neuter (150-300), and that is all within the first year alone and if all is healthy. Now add sickness and it is astronomical. Can you absorb that ? Do you have at least 2k in savings? How about a sick call at the emergency vet..just to walk in the door is 100.00 not counting care and most times runs at least 300 and upwards of 1000.00!!

I can also see your side. I have 4 skin kids (21, 20,19,19) and all in college. They have been raised around dogs, sat by whelping boxes, help with the socialization, and even the home placements. They know my process and would be trusted in a heartbeat with any of my babies. They also know they are not ready for that commitment but when they are I will be right by there sides. I know they have what it takes and understand that a pet is a family member.

I just wanted to kinda let you know where some breeders are coming from. You do seem sincere, but when evaluating the BEST homes for a baby and erring on the side of caution is always the best home. Maybe you could go to a breeders home, spend some time with them, and show them how sincere you are in finding a FUREVER baby. Maybe finding one that is over a year and already spayed/neutered would be a better fit and take your extra up front money and put it in an account just for the dog....Just an opinion and suggestion.

Yea I totally agree with you. & yea I went to a few vet clinics & asked them about different services & an estimate of how much they would cost. & when I talk to breeder they hear my age or that I'm in college & I don't get that 2nd chance to show them. Its kinda sad Yea....these are things to definately think about.

I really appreciate your answers because it give me more to think about.

[Islandloverr]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

You live at home and commute to school? You don't live on campus? What does your mom say about this?

Yea. I go to a community school. & I take a 45 min train ride.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

Yea I actually would prefer an older yorkie. I want a puppy....but if I can find a young adult that would definately be a bonus!

I was going to get this young adult from Cali...but the lady ended up being a "red flag" type of breeder. & everyone else wants 1800 & up for one.

I've actually have been checking the shelters....they have NO yorkies whatsoever. They don't even have dogs under 15 pounds.

There's TONS of yorkies in shelters in New York/NJ area. There's also quite a few shelters down south (Mississippi for example) that have transports to come up North. And you can usually get a dog from the shelter for under $300 that has already been vetted, spayed/neutered.
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Juliette: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Pumpkin: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Seth Teacup: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Romeo: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Chichi: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Emma: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Abby: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Sweetie Pie Ella: Petfinder
Adoptable Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie: Layla: Petfinder

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

Yea I totally agree with you. & yea I went to a few vet clinics & asked them about different services & an estimate of how much they would cost. & when I talk to breeder they hear my age or that I'm in college & I don't get that 2nd chance to show them. Its kinda sad Yea....these are things to definately think about.

I really appreciate your answers because it give me more to think about.

Vet care can be worked around, too. I personally took Jackson to a really nice spay/neuter clinic near my house. His neuter was $65, his microchip was $30, his teeth removal (many Yorkies have retained baby teeth) were $20. He gets monthly heartworm pills. I paid $19 for a 6 month supply of Iverhart Plus. He also gets flea/tick meds from April-October-ish. But I researched greatly before just allowing him to get neutered wherever. They were all really nice and the place was clean and organized. His rabies shot was only $7.

[yorkielady06]

Originally Posted by Islandloverr

Yea I totally agree with you. & yea I went to a few vet clinics & asked them about different services & an estimate of how much they would cost. & when I talk to breeder they hear my age or that I'm in college & I don't get that 2nd chance to show them. Its kinda sad Yea....these are things to definately think about.

I really appreciate your answers because it give me more to think about.

I know that is hurts to hear some of it. And I know it is sad. In normal life I am a different person than I am with my Yorkie babies. I have turned away quite a few people and have been called quite a few colorful names when the people left. But my first responsibility is for these little creatures that I created. Just as I send my skin kids out there in the world, I take the same care with them as the furkids. I raised the pups for less time, but they still carry my heart with them when they leave. I silently weep many times when they go to their new furever homes, so if I do not think it is the best of the best for them, they stay here.
You do seem to have a kind heart and are sincere in your search. How about your mom, is she willing to talk with breeders also? Maybe with her supporting you and helping along the way your steps would be smoother. I for one would consider a stay at home college student, if their parent was 100% behind it and willing to sign a contract also. More food for thought.

[shodanusmc]

Someday you will have the Yorkie, but you are now in College. How many more years before you graduate. I take it you will have to switch to a 4 year school down the road. You mention you want to become a Vet. Well, that is what, another 4 years of school, and big money each year for tuition. That will be a 60-80 hour week with classes and studing. It is not easy. You will run up huge loans unless your parents are paying. Then you will be starting a new career, and working at least 40 hours a week if you get with another vet Hospital, and more hours if you try to do it alone. Yorkies (well ours) do not like being alone. Is it fair to your Mom to be watching your dog for 6 more years? If you were my daughter, I would suggest you would wait for a better time. I can't blame the good breeders for being apprehensive. Good luck with school and the goal of becoming a bet. Look at the big picture. Any person that wants a yorkie can get one, but is it the right thing for the dog. I guess I am saying, WAIT.