<p>I’d really like to apologize to anyone out there who thinks I am irresponsible for wanting a dog while in college and also to those who may think I am being obnoxious. I’m definitely not trying to offend anyone on any level…just looking for some outside perspectives.</p>
<p>Perhaps it would help if I just start over, and hopefully alleviate some of the confusion that this post may have brought up.</p>
<p>I grew up in a house full of pets and have always been excited for a time when I could have a pet of my own. I have worked hard to save money to support my future pet financially. I’ve researched breeds, breeders, mixes, and shelters. I’ve gotten referrals for local vets and for vets in my hometown. I’ve looked into the financial demands of a dog over its first year and the course of its lifespan. I’ve talked to roommates and landlords about this potential dog and all are in agreement that it would be fine. I plan to rent from this landlord for the remainder of my time here, and since I’m going to med school here too, I’ll likely be in the same complex for the next six years or so. I am already in school–a sophomore by years, a junior by hours–and have spoken extensively with my academic advisor about the demands of my academic future here and have found ways to plan my schedule accordingly so that I can have the maximum amount of time possible to spend with potential puppy. I’m not planning to do any extensive traveling after this summer (I’ll complete traveling before puppy is adopted), but will admit that I have not figured out any type of dog sitter or boarding situation should I go somewhere other than to visit my parents (which I somewhat doubt, but who knows.) I am open to adopting either a puppy or an adult, but prefer a puppy because I want to raise him and quite enjoy training a new dog, which I did with my dogs at my parents’ house. My townhome includes a yard and is less than a block away from a large park and numerous trails. I enjoy running and would like to train pup to run with me at some time too. I am not one to take a responsibility lightly, and I really believe that I have researched this pretty thoroughly and am quite excited to get a dog when the time is right over the summer/fall.</p>
<p>That being said, I would like to have some extra money available if something should happen to puppy (as is definitely possible, because those little guys can be quite unpredictable!). I just found out that I won a merit-based scholarship to the amount of $4,000. This was no small feat–it was a lot of work to find the scholarship, be nominated for it by various faculty, and to complete the application packet–and I am quite proud of my accomplishment. Last night when I posted, I was considering the notion of asking my parents if I could use some of this money (or, rather, have some of the money that this scholarship is saving them) to save for potential puppy. I asked this community because I find that many of you have different and well educated opinions, and I didn’t want to seem completely off base in my request should I decide to go through with it. However, this morning my parents told me that they would give me some of the money that they’re saving as a result of this new scholarship as extra spending money, which I now plan on using toward puppy, so perhaps my original question is now a moot point.</p>
<p>I must admit (and perhaps it is because I am young and naive) that I was a little surprised to read responses to the effect of “give it back–you shouldn’t use it for a puppy, and if you don’t need it for school, then give it to someone who does.” First, this scholarship was awarded to me need-blind, which was quite a relief to a student who has seen little in the way of financial reward from my school in the past. Yes, I do come from a family who has been fortunate enough to pay for my education, but that certainly does not mean that money is in excess for me or my family. I do not intend to offend, but there is absolutely no way I would give back my scholarship. I worked hard for it and actually think I have done a fair amount of work to deserve some recognition from my school every once in awhile. It really does feel nice to be rewarded for working hard, and I don’t think I should be asked to return this money just because my parents can afford to pay for my schooling with fewer loans than other families.</p>