Dog in college- rash decision?

PagesHouse

PagesHouse

Active member
My roommates and I foster dogs. It's always tough to give them away, but it's great to know they're going to a good home. The dog we have right now, however, pulls at my heart. I've fallen in love with her and she's fallen in love with me. My roommates and friends comment on how madly in love we are with each other- bordering obsession : ) .
Anyways, I've always been the reasonable one who thinks it's hugely irresponsible for college kids to get dogs. I've always wanted one but said I'd wait until I graduate and figure out where I'm moving to. I don't want to lose this dog, though. She's really something special and I'm worried if I don't adopt her, I'll get a call in a week that they've found a home for her.
My only issue is the moving part. She likes car rides, but this would be a 3 or 4-day car ride. I'd also have to find someone to look after her for 2 weeks and a couple of weekends this summer while I go on a few trips I already have planned.
What should I do?!
 
having a dog in college helped me thru some of the hardest moments of my life. when everyone turns their back on you, your pup will always be there and up for an adventure. unfortunately with my breakup, i lost both of my babies and it sucks...don't miss an opportunity to keep this little bugger around because when/if you do lose him, it will be the worst.
 
Having a dog is great, but you have to keep in mind that having a puppy is kind of like having a baby. You have to make sure it's fed, doesn't shit/piss in your house, and make sure you give it enough attention, as well as train it. Are you going to be able to afford dog supplies and food, and will you have enough time to spend with your puppy? If yes, then go for it, but don't let your drunk friends near him.
 
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I'm mostly worried about moving around. I won't make so many travel plans in the future but I already have plane tix for a few festivals and I'm going on a 2 week trip with my family..... thats a lot of time to make sure someone can watch her.
I also am planning on making the move from Vermont to Montana and I would feel so bad making her sit in the car for that long..... especially with my car crammed full of stuff.

 
I don't have much to say on the topic except it sounds like you really want to keep her and you know you will regret it if you don't
 
lorelle, that dog is going to fucking LOVE you! so many new scents haha. my dogs loved traveling and any time i'd leave the door open to my car they would hop in and i couldn't get them out.

think of it this way, you'll always have a travel buddy :)
 
having a dog is like have a baby. if you think you can have one now, then do it. if you have dreams and aspirations and you don't think a dog would fit into that equation because it would be inconvenient or unfair to the dog, then put it off till you feel a bit more grounded in your life and surroundings. i love dogs, i have the family dog here, but i seriously thing its going to be a long time till i get a dog of my own for the aforementioned reasons about my aspirations and plans.
 
I have my family dog and I love that thing. I was thinking about getting a dog myself and I just don't know if I could cause I don't know how I'd replace her. If you this dog is as special to you as you say it is then hold onto her, you will never find anything with the same personality, you will figure out how to make it work. And as far as the irresponsibility of college kids having dogs thing, your currently fostering it so whats the difference?
 
i htink you'll be fine with the drive i make a trip to canada from mass every summer with a car jammed with stuff and my dog (mastiff) doesnt seem to mind at all just feed him and stop every couple of hours for bathroom breaks
 
besically if you love a dog adopt it like if you really love her you need to keep her. im a student at cu and i watch my friends dog every chance i get any one is down to take care of a cool dog especially youre friends or a girl friend of yours would be happy to take your dog. anyway i hope everything works out
 
bring the dog to a kennel. From my experience every year my family goes on a ski vacation and we leave my dog guinness (chocolate lab, springer spaniel mix) at the kennel, and the people there really take great care of all the dogs and really love doing their jobs
 
It can work, if you're the kind of person who can honestly deal with responsibility and has the money to afford it. Since you're already fostering, you obviously know what having a dog entails, and I think that's one of the biggest issues college kids face when getting dogs. So many times I've seen my friends get puppies, thinking it'll be awesome and fun and a piece of cake, because they grew up with a dog and who doesn't love puppies? They don't take into consideration the fact that it was really their mom/dad caring for the dog, and how much WORK a puppy actually is when you're doing it all yourself (especially when you want to go out partying all the time). Then they end up giving the dog away after a few months. Of course, that certainly isn't always the case. I got a dog in college about 2 years ago. It's worked out great, I love her to death (seriously, she's like my child. I'd freak if anything ever happened to her), and I really enjoy taking care of her. Still, it's definitely not convenient. My family lives on the east coast, and I'm in Utah, so whenever I fly home I have to bring her with me. It's a hassle and it's expensive, but it's worth it to me. Thankfully she's good in cars and on planes.

A multi-day car ride won't be *easier* with a dog, but it's doable. You'll just have to stop more to let her have pee/walking breaks, and be sure she drinks enough water. Most of those cheap hotels off highway exits allow pets for a small fee, too (or you could try to sneak her in...I'll admit I've done that, but my dog is small enough to fit in my purse haha). A friend of mine recently drove across the country with her dog, and it worked out alright.

If you can't find someone trustworthy to watch her while you're away, boarding kennels are not the devil so long as it's a good place. I work at a vet's office that also boards animals, and while some dogs might get a bit stressed out, most do just fine. If you go that route, just check the place out beforehand. It shouldn't smell or look dirty. It should be temperature controlled. Don't go to a place that does group playtime, I fucking hate that. A bunch of unfamiliar dogs playing together is asking for fights. Also, they need to require her to be UTD on her rabies, bordetella, and distemper vaccines. If they don't require proof of this, don't leave her there. Finally, a place that is willing to feed whatever you currently have her on is nice. Having them feed your food is just one less change for her, and prevents diarrhea/upset tummies. (Plus, most places feed shitty food like Science Diet anyway...so.)

Sorry this got so long, haha. Good luck!
 
I didn't even think about it, but if we foster dogs now and it's fine I guess I could handle it. It just seems different because then she would be my own full responsibility and not a split between my roommates.
I think I might do this, though.
I'm going to think about it until we get a call about an adoption offer and then I'll make my final decision.
Yayyyyyyy I might have a princess doggy all to myself : )
 
I'm getting the pretty lady. 100%. Just have to hand the money over. Here's a pic of her RIGHT NOW..... my bayyybayyyy.....
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Thanks guys (espech Aimee) for making me realize what I needed to do!
 
This summer, I drove from Florida to Utah with my dog crammed in my car (golden retriver). He fucking loved it. We had to sneak him into a few hotels, but that was fine. Was happy. Just have to remember, when you have to piss, its about time for the dog to piss as well. And bring bowls for water.
 
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