The Toughest Question

As you know, I'm headed to grad school at CSU next Summer and will be there for approximately 2.5 years. I am, of course, very excited about learning about something I am actually interested in and am willing to work at.

As per most grad studends I know, I will be very, very poor. I have enough in savings to cover my tuition, which is great. But living day to day while attending class and studying is going to be tough, both financially and in terms of free time.

This leads me to the question: Should I go to school with both of my dogs. It has been suggested to me that I find a good home for at least one of them as I may not have the time nor money to keep both of them happy. It is also sooooo much tougher to find places to live when you have two dogs as opposed to one, which is tough enough.

My older dog is a shepard/lab mix named Bella and she is approximately 6 years old. She loves skiing and is the perfect dog for this area. I've had her for more than 4 years and she is my little girl. My younger dog is the infamous Paco, whom I raised from puppyhood and have invested a ton of money and time into. He's a little older than a year. Realistically, and while it pains me to say this, I would probably give Bella up as she is older, has lived her all of her life and is happy around all people.

WWMD? It is not tough to find good homes for dogs here and by the time I leave, I might even be able to talk a friend into adoption. But it is killing me--even thinking about leaving one of my pups.

There is no good answer for this one. I feel yer pain mang. I alos have faith that you will find the best possible solution.

Fuck that if you bring one bring em both. Two dogs are not much harder to deal with than one. Tell everyone one else to kiss your ass!

Rev -

I just finished grad school in October, so maybe I can offer some insight, having known people with dogs, and having been someone who did not have any during my edumificashun.

Grad school will consume your life. Particularly if you are in a research science, as I was. I pretty much lived in my office the first year. Things mellowed out alittle over the seoncd, but for the most part it would have been very hard on a dog to have to spend that much time alone. Furthermore, you bring up a good point about housing. In Snorevallis, Boregon where I was, housing with pets allowed was few and far between, but nonetheless there for those who sought it out.

That being said, many of my fellow grad students had dogs, and managed to make time for them. Our building was dog friendly (to a point) and so people often brought their dogs into their offices. It really depends uponhow your department is.

I say bring them. They will contribute deeply to your mental happiness as you traverse the tribulations of tertiary learning. It will be worth the sacrifices.

i'm right in the middle of the grad school student poverty thing myself. it's amazing how willing friends and family have been as far as helping me through things. maybe it shouldn't be amazing, but i guess lots of the hype about a money crunch or time-management issues have been thusfar overdone. seems to me that lots of the caution and whatnot is intended for students who are moving directly into grad school from undergrad... a few years in the real world seems to temper and prepare folks for the demands of grad school. you'll probably have more time than you might imagine, but as for the money... well, poor is poor- and it's rough. i can't light my cohibas with hundred dollar bills at this point, but student discounts and such really help.

anyhow, maybe you could find a good foster home for one of the dogs- while making it clear that you'll be willing to spend time with one or both of the dogs as possible? a well-worded newspaper ad or something like that?

Bring the dogs man. They are part of who you are. Fort Collins is very dog friendly, you'll have no problem finding people to watch them etc. I don't think it will be too hard to find a place. You might want to check that out however.

Rev, these are choices people make when the world is about to end. You're going to Grad school. One of my best friends is about to get his Wildlife Vet. Phd. at CSU. He has three dogs and he just got married.

keep the dogs. you'll be fine. more importantly you won't regret giving up a dog.

if you were moving to a studio on the upper east side, things would be different.

Start looking for fellowships and grants. There is more money out there to support Graduate Students than alot of people realize. If I remember correctly, you're going for Construction Engineering right? This will make things even easier. I had a buddy that recently graduated with an Engineering Masters that said the only people that paid tuition in his program were those that didn't look hard for fellowships/grants.

Oh, and take your dogs.

Rev, if you are as smart and resourceful as I feel you are, then take em both.

As you know I have two Great Danes totalling 265 pounds of dog.

I have been able to find housing that will allow them. Oh course they are well behaved and do not destroy anything (except our couch, damn spolied dogs).

I could in no way shape of form split them up. One or two dogs, the differnce is only really in the food and getting them exercised. With 2 dogs the exercise comes easier as they play together.

Truth is correct, there is not a right answer to this, EXCEPT from you. Think deep about it.

I can't tell you what to do, but stepping into your shoes, you may be happier in the long run with both dogs. While it may be very hard in school, it may strengthen you as a person.

I just took on a new car payment on this new Subie when I know I have a child on the way in Feb. Time to get my shit together and do what is best for my whole family.

Good luck man, let me know if I can help in any other way.

Thanks, all. I appreciate your input and will continue to listen up.

After a bit more thought, I'm thinking that I'll take them both and then deal with a problem if it arises. One thing about these two is that they really don't play together too much. Bella doesn't dig Paco a whole lot and she's a pretty independent dog, anyhow. Paco just does what she does because he's dumb like that. He'll try and wrestle with her, and she'll play sometimes, but most of the time she either ignores him or gives him a quick growl to let him know he's a punk and she's the bitchmaster. But I love having one "ski dawg" and one hunting dog...my two favorite activities.

Thanks again, guys, and I'm still listening.

Bring the dogs, it is your responsibility. I know I'm going to sound like a mother here and I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but... When you get a dog, it is like having a child, you can't just give it up because now your life is moving in another direction. You made a commitment to those dogs by bringing them into your life. Sorry if I sound like I'm lecturing you, but in the town I live in I see situations like this all too often... Our shelter is so overrun with abandoned animals that they have to resort to euthanizing the animals that are not adopted. Too many people get dogs and then when they need to move or finances get tough, they ditch the dog. I know you would make sure to find a good home for your pups, but it is still abandoning your responsibility to your pet. Yes I realize it would be very difficult for you to give away your dogs, but think how much more difficult it is for your dog to lose it's master. Again, sorry if I sound patronizing, but you have to do what's right for the dogs, they weren't given a choice in the matter. Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally posted by yetipolice
I know you would make sure to find a good home for your pups, but it is still abandoning your responsibility to your pet......Again, sorry if I sound patronizing, but you have to do what's right for the dogs, they weren't given a choice in the matter. Good luck.

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I hear your points, YP, and agree for the most part. But that's just it--my priority in this instance is to do what's best for my dogs and I'm trying to determine what that is. It might not be best to stay with me. Either they come with me and they're fine, they come and they're not fine at all or I give one up to a great home where she's happy and gets more attention then I would be able to give her while I'm still able to give the other one enough attention.

This is the question.

oh Rev - what an awful thought and decision to have to make. But knowing you, and knowing how you feel about your dogs, I know you wouldn't be raising this subject if it weren't for the best of the dogs, and not your own convenience. Take your time with this decision.

Maybe Sophie and Bella need to live together :).

hey, you'll be able to find a job. There aren't many, but they're out there. And if all else fails, I can hook you up with a couple photographers I know and you can show off your body. :D Or you can donate plasma twice a week at $20 a pop, that'll feed 'em anyways.

With all the stress of school, work, etc, you'll want your doggy friends. I don't know what I would have done for the last 4 years if I hadn't had my horse. :)

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a place with a dog... I had my 100# yellow lab out here and I had to look a little more as some places don't allow dogs over 40#, but I found multiple places... and I know people who live in a house that has 5 dogs. I also have a friend who is a vet student and has two greyhounds. It can be done. If you don't at least try it, you know you'll regret it.

hey Rev where are you? thought i saw a thread that said you were in the Valley of the Sun.

Rev,

I would make the move and see how it works out first with both dogs. Those dogs, if they are like my two, live to be with me, even if its not with each other. Of course you have their best interest at heart or you wouldn't have brought this thread up and be muling this over. In the end you will follow your heart and do what you know is best for you and your pups.

hope you find a way to keep them with you and happy.

When you decide to own a dog, or two, you make a lifelong commitment to them. Anything less is irresponsible.

Now, what's the question?

If you are worried that the dogs will be alone too much, just think how much worse it would be if you only take one dog. At least if you have two dogs they will keep each other company. I say keep em.

Quote:

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Originally posted by BlurredElevens
When you decide to own a dog, or two, you make a lifelong commitment to them. Anything less is irresponsible.

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I agree. Keep your doggies.

Don't split up the pack...even if they act like they don't cae if the other is alive, there is an existing social agreement. They prolly will take comfort in the familiarity of the other one's presense in a new enviro.

But, I don't even own a dog so I might be full of chit mang. Seems plausible though.

Rev,

I'm a loooong time lurker from the early Pmag days. I felt a need to post to this topic as I've been in similar positions in the past. Obviously your first choice is to keep both your dogs, but knowing this may be difficult, you want to do the best thing for both of them. Let me offer you an option to consider:

Temporary adoption

My wife & I live in Littleton, CO. We have 2 dogs: Powder, 6 yr American Eskimo, and Odin, 11month Norwegian Elkhound. We would be willing to take care of Bella while you are in grad school. Being relatively close to Ft Collins, you would be able see Bella whenever possible. After grad school, or whenever you are in a position to keep 2 dogs, you can have her back.

Obviously some details would need to be worked out, but the offer is there.

As a bonus for me, I'd like to take Odin skiing & maybe Bella can teach him the ropes.

co_lurker - don't know who you are, but that's pretty damn cool. WOW!!

It's amazing the things that can come out of this board!! :)

Quote:

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Originally posted by co lurker
Rev,

I'm a loooong time lurker from the early Pmag days. I felt a need to post to this topic as I've been in similar positions in the past. Obviously your first choice is to keep both your dogs, but knowing this may be difficult, you want to do the best thing for both of them. Let me offer you an option to consider:

Temporary adoption

My wife & I live in Littleton, CO. We have 2 dogs: Powder, 6 yr American Eskimo, and Odin, 11month Norwegian Elkhound. We would be willing to take care of Bella while you are in grad school. Being relatively close to Ft Collins, you would be able see Bella whenever possible. After grad school, or whenever you are in a position to keep 2 dogs, you can have her back.

Obviously some details would need to be worked out, but the offer is there.

As a bonus for me, I'd like to take Odin skiing & maybe Bella can teach him the ropes.

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Damn, dude, thanks mucho. Realistically, if I had to give one up, I'd prolly ask one of my friends to adopt. I think it would be even more fucked up to do the foster thing because then the people get screwed, too. But thanks for the offer, mang. Who says lurkers don't contribute? :D

It's those quite ones in the corner you have to look out for. ;)

Wishing you & the pups the best however things work out.