I got my first big dog (as a wee pup) at the age of 21 when I was in college. He went with me to Washington State University, University of Montana and Eastern Washington University. I simply just found housing that took him. That dog was awesome, he lived with me until he was 10 years old and I had to put him down from bone cancer. Through my marriage and the birth of all three of my children. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it and don't think that it can't be done.
Also, I was as poor as a church mouse and worked two jobs that were both part-time one at a video store and one at a pizza parlor through all of it. I was studying for my astronomical physics degree and I can tell you those aren't cheap LOL. I heard a lot of negativity from a lot of people but those same people still talk about how awesome that dog was today.
You'll be fine.
Thanks Aimee. Its nice to hear about how people CAN do it, especially with a larger breed dog. I was also 21 when I got Akira/Berlin. Exciting to know you had your dog with you while at Washington State - thats one of the schools at the top of my list (for graduate school). Im studying for a science degree as well, Bachelor in Biological Sciences (with focus on pre-vet/neurology), NOT CHEAP! Neither is Vet School :crazy: I went to school to become a sterile compounding pharmacy technician when I was 19, so that is my current career, which is financially, a step above some people my age. But Im hoping to find a better job once I obtain my bachelors. The hard part will be FINDING a new job wherever I move to...especially if I go to Wisc-Madison. They have a vet school, but also a pharmacy school. So many of the pharmacy jobs are taken by the students.
I'm not in school yet but am going back part time in the fall, I plan to keep my full time job so I can still function financially and not go terribly into debt.
I didn't want to move by campus when I moved as going back to school wasn't on my radar but found it was easier to find large dog friendly housing the closer to campus I got. One thing I did was throw together a resume for Gaia and had a letter of reference of sorts from our trainer, she also came along on viewings with us so the landlords could get meet her, I did this after all the breed discrimination I was getting after mentioning I had a GSD.
Where your routine isn't going to change too much, you'll do fine. Not that you wouldn't anyway.
Keep the pictures coming.
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Thank you! Thats an awesome idea, I'll definitely get some references from my trainer/vet and what not. Yeah finding housing that allows dogs isnt as much of a problem as I thought, just housing near campus is ridiculously expensive! Then factor in roommates who will have to be able to live with my GSD..
I'm certain things will work out for you and Berlin. I wish you luck.
Where are you attending school? I would think any medium to large size university would have ample housing on or near campus.
I used to go with a girl while in the Air Force at Central Missouri State University that had a Collie and lived in an apartment practically on campus.
Thank you Michael. I am currently at the local community college (I graduate in a few short months though!) I was planning on attending UW- Parkside in Wisconsin, because its only 30 minutes from my house. But for graduate school, that is the big unknown, and that is coming up way too fast. I am pre vet, so my choices are limited, but heres the top ones - Wisconsin-Madison, Washington State, Colorado State, University of Florida, University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) Due to recent issues, I might just transfer to the school id be going to for graduate school, and just stay there for the next 6-8 years. (oh my god thats a lot of school STILL, and I've already been in school for 4 years)
Katie, we live in a University town and there are tons of college kids here with dogs. As GusGus said look on Craigslist, you'll find an easier time finding a place for you and Berlin.
The Universities are pretty good about student employment and usually the economy is a little better in a college town, so jobs should be a little easier to find.
You seem like a really responsible person, I'm sure you will make it work for you and Berlin.
Thanks Tory!
Is the university town Fort Collins?? Or Boulder? Regardless, its good to know that Colorado looks promising for me and him.
We live practically on campus. My boyfriend goes to The University of FLorida and I'm finishing up my degree at the community college but I'm on my clinical portion now so I'm out working 40 hrs at area hospitals.. For free.
Gainesville is a very dog friendly town however not many apartments are not breed restrictive. Every one we looked at was very small and pricey but we found one we liked. Since our schedules are different and I'm gone about 12 he's a day he's able to come home during lunch before he goes to work to let her out. On the days he can't we ask his parents who live about 30mins away to come let her out.
I've thought about getting a pet walker but we have limited funds and with her being fearful I'd have to find a woman and have her over a while before we did anything. I looked for apartments for months before finding a place, but we like it here.
Studying is kinda hard because once the book gets cracked open she wants to be in your lap or wanting to play.
FSU Gainesville is one of the schools ive been looking at for graduate school, how awesome! And hey- I hear ya, my puppy is the same way. He doesnt like me doing homework LOL. I literally have to tire him out so he passes out before I can attempt to do any homework. Or give him a good raw bone.
Lara and I live with my boyfriend at an off campus apartment about a 10-15 minute walk away from campus, so close. Our rent for a 2 bedroom is 950 a month but with a pet they charge me an extra 100 a month :[, so it's not cheap. My school lets dogs on campus, the sorority often does a fundraiser where they bring rescue dogs to campus and sell playdates with them to raise funds, plus all the other students get really happy when I bring her to campus because they miss their dogs.
Schedules is the hard part, my whole school schedule revolves around having hours randomly throughout the day to exercise her, some days I walk to campus and back up to 3 times because instead of being in one four-hour block all my classes are spread out. Second hard part is living in an apartment, so literally every time she needs to go outside it's on leash and I have to take her down 2 flights of stairs. Studying doesnt happen for me unless she's asleep, so I either choose to crate her (usually not) or just stay up really late.
The rent is my issue as well. Its crazy! What school do you go to? I looked up dog friendly schools in the US, and the number 1 is in Missouri! LOL! I feel you with the schedules thing - plus throw in working. IT SUCKS. I make it work somehow, but it still sucks. Studying happens only once I tired him out, or give him a nice raw bone. Or at night. I work all day some days, plus have classes two days a week, an online class. I usually am up late studying or doing lab reports or memorizing anatomical terms etc etc and then have to be up for work at 6am to go and make peoples drugs. I try and get my studying done though on my days off though.
