I REALLY want to get a dog but right now i'm in grade 9.the problem is that i want a newfoundlander who will live around 10 years.i will only have time up to grade 12 to spend time with him,then afterwards i'll be away in university for around 5 or so years.by the time i'm out of school the dog would be near the end of his life.so should i get the dog now or should i wait 9 years to get the dog???
2006-11-14 12:44:11 · 7 answers · asked by Snuffles 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Unless your family is willing to keep up with the dog, as I am assuming you live with them, I'd say put off getting a dog. Dog's aren't toys, they are companions.
2006-11-14 12:53:56 · answer #1 · answered by ceramicraindrops 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT GET IT NOW.
READ THIS:
http://peaceriverrefuge.org/Domestic_Pets.html
If you want a reason, go a an animal shelter and look at all the sad pets that were abandoned because they weren't "convenient" anymore. 2ndly, who's going to pay for it? Newfoundlands aren't usually found in animal shelters and can cost between $500 and over $2000 for a puppy. Then you have shots, vet check ups, food (a newfoundland eats ALOT!!!), possible genetic problems (all purebred dogs have them, and they come up faster in large breeds). You also need to think about training, because not training a dog that may weigh over 100lbs is NOT an option. They can be super destructive, make huge messes, drool alot, and can possibly hurt you if not trained and socialized correctly. Who is going to take care of it? Are you going to get up in the morning and feed him and let him out when he needs to go potty (scoop the poop!). The dog will also need to be fixed (spayed/neutered) Dogs in heat are a pain to deal with, and unneutered males often mark their territory, and it smells horrid and lingers. Also, from personal experience, big dogs make travel difficult. They cost more to send on airplanes, and usually have to go as cargo when they do, which is dangerous, and they cost more to board at kennels. Also, don't assume any dog would only live a certain number of years. I know a 14 year old mastiff, and they aren't supposed to live much past 8 years old.
On the plus side, they will be the best friend you ever had, love you unconditionally, and keep you warm on cold winter nights. On the negative side, you can't explain to them why you are leaving them, so to them, you going away to college will be the same as leaving them at a shelter, which might still happen if your family doesn't want to deal with the expenses of the dog. Getting a dog and planning to have it for a specific number of years is like adopting a child and saying after 5 years you are going to leave and you'll see them in a couple years.
2006-11-14 13:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by swimmergrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait. You don't want to miss a day with this dog. Besides, while a Newfoundland seems like a wonderful ideas right now, you never know what will happen in college. You may fall head over heels in love with someone who loves PBGVs and you decide that's the dog you have to have.
I made a deal with my parents to get me a dog when I graduated from college. I thought I would want an Old English Sheepdog. My husband and I bought an American cocker spaniel. Life makes you change.
Don't stick your parents with a dog they may not really want and don't deny a dog an owner because you are going off to school.
2006-11-14 13:39:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need to wait u r not ready for any commitment to any animal.
the reason why i say this is because u will be going away to school and this is not the best time to get a animal for a pet
the dog will soon forget u and when u try to take the dog home u will have some major problems
the dog will not think that u are master, and it may have some bad habits that u do not want
2006-11-14 13:04:22 · answer #4 · answered by katty_ferguson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wait.. so you have the time to enjoy your pet!!! What would you do with it while you were away at school? A big dog like that couldent be kept in a door room or small apartment.. wait till you settled in life before getting a big dog.. go smaller for now!!!
2006-11-14 12:58:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jackson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wait until you have settled down and you are sure you can look after this dog for 10+ years and would be able to give him/her all your attention.
If your family is willing to look after the dog for the 5 years you will be at college and walk it, groom it, feed it, play with it etc. and you have talked to them about getting a dog and you give them information about the dog - and they agree - then it's up to you wether you should get it or not.
2006-11-14 13:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just don't get a dog right now.. wait until you are done with school then get a dog you will be happier and the dog will be happier.
2006-11-14 16:49:53 · answer #7 · answered by lilbit_883_hugger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋