Pets?

I grew up with just about every animal you can think of! I loved them all, especially my horses and dogs but they're all gone now :(

I really really really want a dog, more than anything else in the world but I'm a student nurse. I don't really spend that much time out of the house atm, and could definately spend less but when I start my clinical placement I'd be doing shift work.

Does anyone think this is possible? To have a small dog and work/study? Has anyone done this? How long would you leave a puppy alone?

I kinda feel like I wouldn't want to leave it at all, but I know people do this so I'm trying to figure out if it would be possible for me.

And, if you don't think it would be right to do that, what smaller animal would you reccommend? What's your pet?

Cats generally don't mind odd hours as long as they get fed regularly and have a clean sandbox.  Adopt from a shelter so you at least improve the quality of life of one animal.

Do not get a dog if you don't have the time to take care of it... and from what you've said in your OP you definitely DON'T have time to take care it.

I won't even get a cat since I don't have the time to take proper care of one.  A dog would die of lonely misery with my schedule, it's just not fair to take a social animal and neglect it.

Edit: You could petsit for a friend or help out with a friend's pet.  I'm sure they and their pet would be grateful for any extra help.

Alibsam - Please see second to last paragraph of OP.

Smwhipple - I would definately adopt from the RSPCA or similiar. Do you have cats? Do you need a cat flap so they can get in and out when you're not there? Practically a cat would probably be perfect for my lifestyle.

Original Post by smwhipple:

I won't even get a cat since I don't have the time to take proper care of one.  A dog would die of lonely misery with my schedule, it's just not fair to take a social animal and neglect it.

Edit: You could petsit for a friend or help out with a friend's pet.  I'm sure they and their pet would be grateful for any extra help.

Well right now I would be able to take care of a dog but I know my schedule will get a lot more hectic soon. It wouldn't ever be totally alone as I have housemates but I really wouldn't want it to spend time without me, never mind without anyone.

*sigh* I know I can't have one really, it just literally makes me so sad that I can't.

It really depends on the cat.  The shelters in my area require that any adoptee be an indoor only pet.  I've had good and bad experiences in that regard.  A cat that wants outside is going to get outside unless you're very vigilant.  Some adopt well to a hybrid environment, others want to stay inside all the time.  A cat that wants to be outdoors can be downright destructive when left alone inside. I'd recommend looking for an older cat whose habits are probably already known by the shelter, plus they're much less likely to be adopted than cute kittens.  You can buy a cat door that fits as a panel into a sliding glass door instead of cutting holes in the wall...of course, my dumb bunny kept trying to jump over the cat flap through the glass partition.  You can also find window sill doors.

Original Post by misscherryjane:

Alibsam - Please see second to last paragraph of OP.

I read it all. I'm not stupid. You're in nursing school and about to start clinicals. You aren't going to be able to give the dog the attention/exercise it needs. When you're home from work you're going to be exhausted from your clinicals. Be practical. It's not fair to the dog just because you "want one". My schedule is set the same every day and sometimes I still feel like I can't give my dog the attention she needs. Luckily I start a new job next week and I'll only work 4 hours a day with a couple days of teaching private classes (max 3 hours extra, twice a week). 

Based on what you've said a cat is better for you than a dog. You don't have to take a cat on walks, etc. There are so many university kids who "want" dogs and then get rid of them because their schedules don't allow for a dog. I think you should wait until you actually start working as a nurse and see how your schedule is then before getting a dog. 

Original Post by alibsam:

Original Post by misscherryjane:

Alibsam - Please see second to last paragraph of OP.

I read it all. I'm not stupid. You're in nursing school and about to start clinicals. You aren't going to be able to give the dog the attention/exercise it needs. When you're home from work you're going to be exhausted from your clinicals. Be practical. It's not fair to the dog just because you "want one". My schedule is set the same every day and sometimes I still feel like I can't give my dog the attention she needs. Luckily I start a new job next week and I'll only work 4 hours a day with a couple days of teaching private classes (max 3 hours extra, twice a week). 

Based on what you've said a cat is better for you than a dog. You don't have to take a cat on walks, etc. There are so many university kids who "want" dogs and then get rid of them because their schedules don't allow for a dog. I think you should wait until you actually start working as a nurse and see how your schedule is then before getting a dog. 

Great. Thank you for your expert input. I'm sure there are many university kids who "want" dogs and then get rid of them. This is probably because they have no concept of how to look after any animal, never mind a dog.

Funnily enough, I'm not stupid either.

Once again, please refer to the second to last para. in OP, also to posts #4+5. Then, please stop missing the point entirely. Thanks

ETA: I also mentioned that the hypothetical dog would never actually be alone, just without me. I then went on to add that I would not be comfortable with this.

You don't need a dog at this time - you have no time to devote to it.  I can understand the feeling of wanting a pet, though.  Puppies take alot of time!  Have you thought of adopting a grown dog from the animal shelter?  There are lots of needy dogs out there.   I would recommend a cat instead, personally, for your situation.  They require much less time from you and give much love (adopt, please).   My last kitty,  Fancy,  came from the local animal shelter.  She's the most loving cat I've ever had.

Good luck.

Original Post by glamgram:

You don't need a dog at this time - you have no time to devote to it.  I can understand the feeling of wanting a pet, though.  Puppies take alot of time!  Have you thought of adopting a grown dog from the animal shelter?  There are lots of needy dogs out there.   I would recommend a cat instead, personally, for your situation.  They require much less time from you and give much love (adopt, please).   My last kitty,  Fancy,  came from the local animal shelter.  She's the most loving cat I've ever had.

Good luck.

I would adopt a puppy rather than an adult dog as I'd need to train it myself - hence, I'd need even more time to give it!

But yes, cats are probably the way forward for me. Did you have a catflap or was your an indoor cat?

I would recommend a cat too.  My 14 year old cat passed away in March and I have just got 2 RSPCA cats who are 4 and 10 years old.  I work full time so they spend the day on their own.

I have owned 6 cats in total over the years and all have been outdoor cats using a cat flap to let themselves in and out.  As they got older they spent less time outdoors but still went out to have a look about - there was no way any of them would be house cats, the pull of the outdoors was too much for them.

I do keep them in at night though, for 2 reasons:

1. So I know where they are and don't worry about them getting run over.

2. I was told that most small birds are caught in the early hours as dark mornings provides good cover for predators.

Rescue cats (3 of my 6 have been) are the way to go but see if you can find out as much about them before you get them and get into a routine with them as soon as you can - they are creatures of habit.

All my cats have loved having a routine and were put out if it differed - although I have often wondered who decided on the routine, me or them!

Original Post by compoundkid:

All my cats have loved having a routine and were put out if it differed - although I have often wondered who decided on the routine, me or them!

haha almost certainly them!

Sounds like the cat is the way to go if you feel you can keep up with the responsibilities of keeping litter clean, fresh water daily and food.

Personally I don't like the idea of a cat door or flap because what if it gets run over, runs away, gets taken by someone else? I probably feel this way because I live near a highway and busy streets where I see a lot of "run-over" cats. If you want to do this, I'd definitely "train" the cat with a chest harness and leash, letting it go outside, etc.

I have 2 furbabies and one of them always wants to go outside, so to satisfy her thirst, I tend to let her out on my 2nd floor balcony for up to 2 hours or so. I was pretty nervous at first because they might try to jump off or whatever but most of the time, they just go out there to lay down and chill in the sun, look at the birds, etc.

You could get a cheap bird feeder for the cat to have some "eye candy" and keep them somewhat occupied during the day. They also LOVE paper bags with a bit of catnip in it. (my cats totally do.)

Good luck with your decision!

I recently adopted a cat a couple months ago because I work 12 hour shifts and live alone. I've always wanted a dog but I knew it wouldn't work. Anyways when I get home from work kitty's right there at the door giving me **** for leaving for so long. Seems like cats don't like being left alone for long periods of time either. Who knew.

Try leaving a radio on all day while you're gone. Turn the volume down low. It will help keep the cat from feeling completely alone.

At this point in your life it does not sound like you have time for a puppy. They require a lot of attention. Cannot be left alone for hours. Cats on the other-hand are easier and can be left alone as long as they have food, water, clean litter and toys. If I were you and you are really set on getting a pet right now, I would go to a local shelter, humane society, animal rescue and adopt a cat, maybe two. Two would keep each other company and there are so many homeless cats in need of a loving home. Then later when you have more time you could add a dog to the family. Be sure that if you do adopt a pet that you can support them financially and be sure to get them spayed or neutered. There are so many animals in need of a loving home.

Original Post by misscherryjane:

Original Post by glamgram:

You don't need a dog at this time - you have no time to devote to it.  I can understand the feeling of wanting a pet, though.  Puppies take alot of time!  Have you thought of adopting a grown dog from the animal shelter?  There are lots of needy dogs out there.   I would recommend a cat instead, personally, for your situation.  They require much less time from you and give much love (adopt, please).   My last kitty,  Fancy,  came from the local animal shelter.  She's the most loving cat I've ever had.

Good luck.

I would adopt a puppy rather than an adult dog as I'd need to train it myself - hence, I'd need even more time to give it!

But yes, cats are probably the way forward for me. Did you have a catflap or was your an indoor cat?

 Why would you need to train it yourself?

i'm going to agree with the folks saying you don't have time for a puppy, but i think you already know that. at this point in your life you just don't know where you'll be or what your schedule will be in the future, so even if it would work now, it might be really tough in a year or two.

i've got a great suggestion though, adopt a pair of rats! rats are awesome pets. they are lovable, smart and relatively easy to take care of. they do need attention and love, but if you get a pair they'll be ok home alone. they need a pretty large cage, but usually they are pretty easy to clean. you can buy "rat food" at the pet store and just supplement it with fruits and veggies

if i had the room right now, i'd get a pair in a second (to the horror of my boyfriend most likely haha). my last pet rat used to come when called, try to groom my hand, and was happy to just curl up in my lap while i watched tv. she was the best, i miss her!  

Original Post by jules817:

i'm going to agree with the folks saying you don't have time for a puppy, but i think you already know that. at this point in your life you just don't know where you'll be or what your schedule will be in the future, so even if it would work now, it might be really tough in a year or two.

i've got a great suggestion though, adopt a pair of rats! rats are awesome pets. they are lovable, smart and relatively easy to take care of. they do need attention and love, but if you get a pair they'll be ok home alone. they need a pretty large cage, but usually they are pretty easy to clean. you can buy "rat food" at the pet store and just supplement it with fruits and veggies

if i had the room right now, i'd get a pair in a second (to the horror of my boyfriend most likely haha). my last pet rat used to come when called, try to groom my hand, and was happy to just curl up in my lap while i watched tv. she was the best, i miss her!  

I agree with Jules.  My roommate in college had a pair of rats.  At first, I couldn't understand WHY he would want such critters as pets.  After getting to know them though, they are very good pets.  They are easily trained and very clean.  They are quite capable of entertaining themselves while you are gone too.

Original Post by augustnkate:

I agree with Jules.  My roommate in college had a pair of rats.  At first, I couldn't understand WHY he would want such critters as pets.  After getting to know them though, they are very good pets.  They are easily trained and very clean.  They are quite capable of entertaining themselves while you are gone too.

 haha my old roommate was the same way. When i told him i was getting a rat (i adopted her and sadly she was on her own so i didn't have a friend for her), he was like a WHAT?!?

few weeks later i came home from class and there he was at his computer desk, Booper the rat perched on his shoulder while he did homework :P