Might sound stupid...but need opinions!

ProudRN2B · May 5, 2009

I personally would say no. One on your clinical days (you may have one or two days a week) you'll be away from home for 12 or more hours if you include travel time. I don't think it's fair to let a dog wait that long without going potty. I have a pretty light schedule as far as class time goes, but my study time is really overwhelming and I feel horrible that I neglect my dog. He's craving attention so bad and I rarely have time to give him the attention he needs. I would wait and let a dog be your gift for when you graduate! You and the dog will be much happier.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 5, 2009

Cats are easier to care for. You don't have to walk them q8h for pottying, you can leave dry food down and they don't bark.

ProudRN2B · May 5, 2009

Yeah, cats are a good idea. They are more indenpendent and you don't have to worry about walking them.

loricatus · May 5, 2009

If you can find someone to take provide a little help for those long days (or afford a service), then I would say go for it. Actually, you might be better off with 2 (even a cat and a dog) so they can provide each other some companionship when you aren't home. Something else to keep in mind is that a pet is for the long term and school will only last a few years. When you finish up school, odds are that you will be on 12 hour nights; and, what will your pet(s) do while you are gone overnight and trying to sleep during the day. Good planning now, will avoid frustration and possibly heartbreak later on.

Also, a pet saved from death row will be grateful to you, no matter what your lifestyle. I tell you this from experience with a puppy I saved from the green mile a few months ago & from 2 others (almost a year ago) that were beng seriously neglected by their owner.

texastaz · May 5, 2009

I say no a dog. You have to walk them - and as for a compannion you will have enough in school. Get an alarm system for safety - it cost about the same as a pet.

HumptyDumpty · May 6, 2009

Go for it. You will have more time then you think. Walking it is a good form of exercise (don't become obese like MANY nurses) plus its companionship is a nice plus as well. The dog can handle being alone for 10 hours a couple days a week, heck, its a dog.

criticalRN10 · May 6, 2009

:) haha...i know i was asking for sound advice, but i really think i just wanted to hear what i wanted to hear :) haha thank you all for your input, i'm pretty sure i'm getting a dog.

benegesserit · May 6, 2009

In general, voluntarily taking on two big commitments of unknown extremity at the same time is not the best idea. It may work out fine. It could end up being a serious problem for you and/or the dog. Dogs that don't get the amount and type of attention and socialization they need can cause huge amounts of property damage and potentially be dangerous.

If you do decide to get a dog, consider getting an older dog that doesn't need the same level of attention, exercise, and training as a young pup. There are lots of animals needing homes right now. Finding one that is already well-socialized and used to spending large amounts of time alone shouldn't be impossible.

hkmullins · May 6, 2009

As a dog lover, dog owner, dog sitter (actually own my own pet sitting business), and dog rescuer, I am begging you not to get a dog right now. Owning a dog is a HUGE responsibility and acquiring one is a decision not to be made lightly. I have seen too many dogs in my line of work who are not given the amount of attention and, more importantly EXERCISE, that they require. These are the dogs that inevitably end up with "issues". I have also seen too many dogs surrendered to shelters because their owners didn't take the time to think about what a huge responsibility it really is to own a dog. In fact, I was at my local Humane Society two weeks ago and EVERY person in there was surrendering their OWN pet. It was sickening. Also, think about the fact that if you do get a dog you will not only be dealing with the stress of nursing school but also with the stress of a new dog. And, yes, it will be stressful. Yes, as someone stated earlier, dogs are able to go for long stretches of time. But these are dogs that have adjusted to their new homes and their new owners and they have a routine. Also, have you thought about the financial aspects of owning a dog? Trust me, it ain't cheap. You'll have to deal with vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm preventitive, annual check-ups, teeth cleaning, spaying/neutering. And what about if it gets sick? Will you be able to pay for that? Will you be able to take time off from school to care for a sick animal? And once again I have seen too many dogs surrendered b/c their owners were unable to provide for them financially. You need to really understand what it means to be a RESPONSIBLE pet owner. And, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with the poster that stated "it's just a dog". Those are exactly the kind of people who should NOT own dogs, or any other animal for that matter. Please wait until you have finished nursing school and are able to truly devote the time and energy to a new dog...as well as provide for it financially. It will be one of the best decisions you could ever make. And, please, when you do make the decision to get a dog...ADOPT!!

sciencer · May 6, 2009

I would say yes to a dog but no way to a puppy. :paw:

Deb Laf111 · May 6, 2009

No No No way. This is a huge committment and pets require a lot of attention, especially the first couple of years. You will be so busy in Nursing school and making new friends you will not have time for a pet. It really would be best if you could wait until you have time to train a pet properly. Good luck with school.