Should I Get A Yorkie? Help!

[natalie14]

Originally Posted by Britster

I am a college student with a Yorkie. I got Jackson shortly after I turned 18. It's not really something I'd recommend for most normal people my age, but well, I'm not normal No... I'm just not into partying/drinking and all that stuff, but besides that, I am also still living at home going to a local community college. I provide for Jackson solely by myself- that included all the initial puppy expenses... neutering/shots/food/supplies/etc, not to mention all the extra crap I buy him!!! LOL. I spend WAY too much money on my dog. You also have to be prepared that when you do move out, you must look for a pet friendly place if you will be renting and most charge fees.

A dog is definitely a huge life changing experience. I mean, when he was a puppy, I went from a girl who had just graduated HS and was on my staying up late/waking up late schedule... in comes a 9 week pup, and I was suddenly in bed by 8 every night and waking up once in the middle of the night with a pup who had to potty, waking up early with a pup who did not want to sleep in, etc. If, by chance, I DO go out with my friends.. there's no just crashing at their place for the night, I've got a dog to get home to. After classes, I can't always just go out to eat, gotta go home and it's not just a matter of letting him pee, he needs lots of mental and physical stimulation. Now, at 2 1/2, he is obviously on a good schedule... he pretty much goes with the flow with what I do, he will sleep in with me, etc.

I spend basically 90% of my free time with Jackson! My parents were like "WHY are you getting a dog?" when I did and thought he would end up being their responsibility but nope, they are proud of me, hehe. He is my best friend, honestly, we do almost everything together. It's not what I'd consider a 'sacrifice' because I highly enjoy it but for most 21yr olds, it would not be an ideal situation. It's a lot of hard 'work... but I don't like to call it work because I enjoy my time with him greatly. But it's definitely a rarity to find a college student capable of taking care of a dog. I also know that in the case of a super emergency, I have the support of my family.

Sounds hectic! Doesn't sound like my preferred lifestyle but I'm glad it works for you! I just like to be more flexible.. not tied down, ya know? But thats just me. :3

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by natalie14

Sounds hectic! Doesn't sound like my preferred lifestyle but I'm glad it works for you! I just like to be more flexible.. not tied down, ya know? But thats just me. :3

And that's what she is trying to tell you.....having a dog means you will be tied down to some degree. I have a dog and a cat but it is the dog that has me more tied down. No more spontaneous weekend trips. With the cat you can get away with an overnighter but not with a dog unless you want to come home to a messy house. However, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am much older and more settle so I got my little one at the right time in my life. When I was your age, I was always on the go but now I live a more relaxed lifestyle which is perfect for my yorkie.

I would like to commend you on your thoughtfulness. I wish others would take the time to research before making the decision to have a pet.
Maybe then we would have fewer homeless and abused animals.

[citygirl123]

Originally Posted by smallmans

Yorkies are amazing little family members. I waited 56 years to finally have one. I'm glad I waited. My husband and I are retired and Bella is the love of our lives. We have all the time to devote to her training, exercise, love, and attention. These little furbabies NEED their people and it is only fair to give them the love and attention they thrive on. You are just starting out on your life journey and you have so many wonderful experiences ahead of you. Wait and reward yourself with a Yorkie when you can truly give it the time it deserves. You have a golden and they are awesome! Don't push your parents into it as they are the ones that will care for it when you are in college. As they always say, "Good things are worth waiting for". Good luck with your decision, make it with your head and not your heart, and make the best decision for the DOG.

You said it well. I'm 56 also. Yorkies take a lot of time and need their people around. Copper was the best birthday present I ever gave myself at 55. I wouldn't have had the time for one before this.

College will be exciting....a dog waiting at home will make you feel guilty when ever you are out. Be free for a while. Responsibility in life comes soon enough! But...keep the love of a yorkie as a someday dream! It will be worth the wait!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by natalie14

Sounds hectic! Doesn't sound like my preferred lifestyle but I'm glad it works for you! I just like to be more flexible.. not tied down, ya know? But thats just me. :3

Then don't get a Yorkie. Or any dog... maybe a fish?

[susan lynn]

Originally Posted by Britster

Then don't get a Yorkie. Or any dog... maybe a fish?

Good Post! I have a 17 year old son that I'm not sure he could take care of a fish. You seem to be doing an amazing job with your Jackson.

[Taryn0405]

I got my husband a fish first to see if he was cut out to get a Yorkie. But instead of doing that, we ended up fostering a little girl Yorkie pup for a bit.

But we ended up getting Gizmo two weeks before our wedding and let me tell you, between recovering from the flu, wedding stress, and a puppymill social anxiety ridden puppy we both got a total of about oh 2 1/2 hours of sleep each night. Let's just say at my wedding, I used alot of under eye concealer!!


Anywho, my point is, like Brister said, it's stressful and I'm done with school and had the help with my husband. Especially since not only are there the puppy issues (i.e. training, potty, walkies, money for everything, etc.) if you get a dog that may have come from a shady breeder or heck even have hereditary issues, then you're opening up a whole other can of worms that many people can't handle. And hence the reason so many pups end up in rescues.

Now, I'm not saying that would be you, I'm simply stating that dogs thrive on stability just like a human baby. And it sounds like you're just about to starting a whole new beginning for yourself. Allow yourself to be a college student and a kid before you decide to take on this responsibility.

[gracielove]

I wouldn't advise getting a Yorkie at your age. These little dogs are very dependent on their people. You are at an age where your life is going to be getting busy and it would be hard on the dog to be left on it's own. Your parents don't want the responsibility of another dog so they would not be the best caretakers of the little one. I'm glad you like Yorkies but they need owners that can be as devoted to them as they are to the owner. You have plenty of time ahead of you. Your life is going to change many times over. Right now you may have a couple of years to devote to the dog but these dogs should live many years. Think how heartbroken your dog would be when you have school activities and other things to do and it has no one to depend on. And when you go off to college it would be so hard on that little one. I know you want one of these loving little creatures but sometimes we have to put our feelings on hold for the greater good of the animal.