what do you think about getting a dog in your 20?
In about two months, a puppy is coming to live with me. I’m 21 years old, I’ve finished my A-levels and haven’t yet gone to university or started an apprenticeship. I did, however, work at a company where I’d actually intended to do my apprenticeship. Whilst I was there, though, I realised it wasn’t what I’d imagined, or rather that the job really isn’t right for me. Now I’m feeling a bit at a loss and don’t know what my career future should look like, so I’m carrying on working for the time being and have decided to work part-time for the first year with the dog so that I still have enough time for training and socialisation. As soon as he’s one year old, I’d like to either start a degree or an apprenticeship. Whilst I’m out, he’d be at home with me; before I leave, I’d make sure he gets plenty of exercise, and again afterwards when I get back. I’ve been dog-sitting for years and am well aware of the work involved. My mum would be there from time to time and could take him for walks whilst I’m at school. The dog will still largely be my responsibility, though, and my mum wants to be involved as little as possible. The breed I’ve chosen is very calm and sociable, adaptable and actually compatible with that sort of daily routine.
I’d also like to add that I’m very experienced with dogs and, for as long as I can remember, have wanted nothing more than to have a dog.
However, I’ve already received several comments saying that getting a dog would just make my life unnecessarily difficult and ruin it.
Now that you’ve read this, what do you think? Does my plan sound feasible, or rather unrealistic and naive? Is getting a dog really such a bad idea?