[A_Space_Between]

Hello all,

Ok, so, I'm a student starting my last yr of university in September. I'm currently not working (total bummer & making me paranoid about money...which I do have enough of for now).

So I went in for a therapy session today (first time w/this therapist). And she asked me what helps when I have low moods. So I said cycling & dogs. And she was like, do you have a dog around? Would you get a dog?

And I told her that I'd like a dog, but I feel like I'm not sort of secure enough. Like, I don't know what I'm doing after graduation etc, if I'll be moving... I know I could give the dog enough exercise. And I would definitely make sure it was well taken care of, despite financial concerns (meaning I would be totally prepared to go into debt if, say, my dog got hit by a car & required surgery).

But do you think it would be a good idea to get one right now? The question just kind of completely took me off guard. I know I'm responsible enough for a dog for sure. But I'm also very contentious, & I know that it's a life long commitment. Then of all things I go on the website for the Humane Society & find a 3yr old beagle on it! http://www.ottawahumane.ca/adoption/petharbor_dogs.cfm. Ugghh...I kind of wish my therapist hadn't brought it up.

But if I had it my way, I'd probably find ways to deny myself a pet 'til kingdom come (need to have a solid job, a house/apartment, make sure a dog can be okay with my work hrs when I start a potential career etc).

Am I crazy to think I should get a dog now? I feel like my T just gave me a lisense to do something crazy & impulsive! (I also have no idea if my landlord would let me get a dog, I will have to look @ the lease & email him & my housemates to see if it's okay).

[Perna]

It is easy to want and imagine a pet and fall in love with one but harder to assess whether it is a good idea for the pet to be allied with you right now where you are in your life. I definitely would not get a dog, were I you, until I had graduated school and gotten a job and place to live. If you get one now and then can't find a job so money becomes more stressful, that would be even more stressful, having the dog to care for. Too, it can be hard to find apartments, etc. where animals are accepted and often they cost more in rent and, depending on your job and the apartment/living situation, the dog's care might suffer (working hours, apartment on 3rd floor with no elevator and talking it out to pee first thing on a cold morning, not fun :-)

So I would wait until I was more settled. Getting a pet should not be classified under crazy and impulsive! It's "only" an animal but it's well being is dependent on you; if you have trouble taking care of yourself these days, I would not add a living being to your responsibilities.

[A_Space_Between]

Thanks Perna,

I know you're right for all of the reasons you listed, which are also my reasons for not wanting one right now...I just got caught up in wishful thinking. The landlord emailed me back & said I couldn't get one anyway.

It's just kind of sad, because what if I never do get that kind of stability? It basically means I'm just not allowed to get a pet.

[lynn P.]

I agree with Perna its better to wait but sorry you're disappointed because having a dog is great. Since you love dogs, maybe you could volunteer at the local Humane Society or even better do a part time dog walking service.

We love our dog, but its also expensive to keep one to be a responsible owner. They cost at least $300 for a yearly exam, shots, routine tests, Heart-worm medication and flea treatment.....plus good quality food. Then if something unexpected happened this would be additional money. When my dog was 2 she developed bladder stones that needed surgery. This cost us $1,800 dollars but we didn't hesitate because she brings so much happiness. A dog might be lonely if you're at school for many hours. Don't worry your time will come.

[bronzeowl]

I think, in the end, it's a decision that only you can make. However, it's not one you should take lightly. I know of many people who got a dog hoping it would help with their anxiety, depression, etc. Only to find that the dog became another stressor. I'm not saying this would or will happen to you, it's just one example (of many) of why you should take everything into consideration when you get a dog.

I'm not comfortable financially at the moment. But I definitely was when I got my dogs. And I'm not the type to get rid of dogs because of changes (I believe pets are for life). Stuff happens. Dogs adjust and as long as you can make sure they stay fed and get the vet care they need (even if you're counting quarters to buy cans), the dog should be fine. That said, it is ideal to get a dog knowing you won't have to do that. As I knew I wouldn't when I got mine (but like I said, things change... sometimes life is unpredictable). Dogs are expensive. Our late pit bull (and family dog) came down with health complications in her senior years. First, they cost us around $300. Then $500. The second, we were able to work out payment with the vet. We got approved by an organization that paid half of it. But we still had to pay $250.

A new puppy will need a lot of time. They require training, attention, and almost constant interaction. Even if you adopt an older dog, an older dog would need someone to be around to make him feel comfortable. Being in school still, it might be hard to meet those needs. That's something you really need to think about.

Nevertheless, there are still ways you can spend time around dogs. I know dogs help me a lot. I don't connect well with people. At all. Can barely empathise with them, let alone interact with them. However, with dogs, I both empathise and interact with them. They ease some symptoms of my depression, just having one around to pet. If you know anyone with dogs, perhaps you can ask them if you can walk them sometimes. To spend time with them. You could volunteer at a shelter. Or as Lynn suggested, start a part time dog walking business. There are ways to spend time with dogs without owning one.

As Lynn, also, said. Your time will come. I'm sure you'll be able to have a dog one day. When you're ready for a dog, you kind of just know.