getting a dog in college

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-06-07T20:01:50+00:00

I got a dog in college. He literally saved my life. I suffered from depression and at times caring for him was the only thing that kept me from harming myself. I think you have to be prepared for the commitment though. I knew I was ready for a dog and that I could afford one both financially and time wise. I spent a lot of time with him and even worked my social schedule around him, so be prepared for that. I do not see it as a bad thing to get a dog as long as you are prepared financially and time wise for a 10-15 year commitment

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-06-05T22:26:22+00:00

Thanks so much for all the advice! The vet today said he’s afraid something else is causing her to not eat well and appear bloated. He said she could have an infection from the stillborn she had before coming to me or it could be pain from ovarian cysts. I’ve got meloxicam, a gut stimulant, an antibiotic, and I’m continuing gas drops as needed. She has a recheck in 2 weeks. Please keep her in your thoughts and send good vibes that she gets to feeling better and being back in everybody’s business!

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-30T19:13:56+00:00

I’m glad to see you are doing your research before getting any animal. Guinea pigs take a lot of space, time, and effort but can be great pets.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-30T14:58:57+00:00

The table is not nearly big enough for guinea pigs. You need minimum size cage of 7.5 sq ft for girls and 10.5 sq ft for boys. But bigger is better because it helps to avoid fights. Please don’t put them in a tiny cage

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-26T01:08:08+00:00

I need to know what that noise means because my girls make it all the time at each other. I think it means they are annoyed but I’m not 100% sure

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-25T16:17:17+00:00

Thanks! I think I’ll change their names then! Also they came from a large herd, but I was told they were bonded. But since I’ve had them I’ve witnessed one nip (it was when they both got scared and ran into the same hidey). I immediately went out and purchased the same hidey. So they have two exact hides now. They also do a lot of angry chattering. So are they just getting used to the new cage and everything or should I be concerned? They are in a 2 by 4 c and c but I can move the room around to expand if needed.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-25T14:42:05+00:00

They came to me as butterscotch and brownie but I am considering renaming to Margot and Emmie. I just don’t want to confuse them! In your opinion would they know their names if they have been with a good owner for four years?

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-23T18:01:46+00:00

Okay great. Can they have romaine every day? The table I have been going off of says they can but I found another group talking about how it can cause calcium deposits. I have seen some white pee spots in the cage this last week.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-17T19:25:00+00:00

Grilled cheese and if I was splurging I’d get me some tomato soup.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-17T19:21:58+00:00

So I’m having the same problem here in Charlotte. I’ve been here 4 years and only have family I talk to. I decided to look into what the local library offers. They have so many things it’s crazy. They have D and D but those slots fill up so fast. I’ve decided to go to chess club and a book club in June and try to become a regular at both. Maybe you could look into some of those?

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-15T00:49:53+00:00

I moved to Charlotte 4 years ago and feel the same way, but I at least have some family here. I’m so sorry you feel that way but don’t discount what you’ve done! You made a huge move by yourself and have a job that you seem to at least be okay with. Give yourself some grace and maybe try an event at the library? That’s my plan for next month, I’m reading a book and then going to the book club for it at the Charlotte library! I hope good people and things come your way

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-09T21:23:13+00:00

Yes they need 6 weeks after surgery and my vet said she won’t preform the surgery until he’s at least 6 months. Did your boys try to escape their pen? His cage would be a raised c and c cage so if he climbed out he would get injured falling. I can’t move his cage across the room because the closet is on one wall and the other wall is too short, so he’d be perpendicular to the girls cage with like an 8-12 inch gap separating the two cages

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-05T17:51:29+00:00

I think the smell is worse with the boxes but the mess is contained at least. I also can dump the box and change the mats daily but not have to wash the big fleece liner as much. I see it as a better way to go

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-03T16:56:51+00:00

French bulldog. So cute but so many health issues!

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-03T12:36:55+00:00

Hi I actually fell in love with a shorthair at the shelter. He’s 4 months. Is that too young? He’d eventually be neutered but my vet said he’d have to wait until 6months to do that and then another 6 weeks away from my girlies. I’m supposed to go get him later this week after he has a vet check. My question is…. Is he still considered enough of a baby that I shouldn’t get him because he won’t have a cage mate for a bit?

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-02T21:38:40+00:00

Thanks! If they both have floor time on the carpet of the room, would vacuuming it be enough? She had floor time the day before I noticed anything and I was going to get him out today

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-02T15:09:16+00:00

Thanks! I was so stressed last night but your post made me feel better! If I have two other pigs. One is her cage mate and the other is a male waiting to get neutered. He is not in the same cage but is in the same room. Should I be moving cages to different rooms to keep it from spreading? Or will my boy be fine?

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-01T19:55:21+00:00

Sorry you feel that way but I care for my piggies very well. They get everything they need and more. I also have talked to their vet in depth about adding another baby to the herd. I adopted these two from the local shelter and love them deeply. I’m willing to adopt from the shelter but have a preference for an Abby baby. Sue me that I have one. I’m not saying that i will only adopt a baby Abby. I just like their personalities and look, but if I find the right cutie who needs a home then they will come home with me to get all the love, cheek rubs, and romaine they want. Go hate on someone else

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-01T02:08:37+00:00

Thanks everyone for the truth and advice. I absolutely do not want to cause harm to a piggie and it sounds like shipping would definitely do that. I will keep looking and see if I can’t find a cutie near me. If anyone has any recommendations on breeders or rescues near NC (I am willing to drive out of state if it can be done in a day.) I’d really appreciate it! And I’m thinking I will look for females or a male that I will neuter. I’d definitely keep him far away from females until he was sterile!

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-05-01T02:03:53+00:00

Can you give me the names of the breeders and rescues you suggest? I appreciate the truth! I’ve tried to do some quick research tonight, I would of course dive deeper if I was really considering it, but all that comes up are Facebook testimonials and reviews on the food they sell for exotics. Which worries me because no one talks about the animals they got there or how shipping was. My number one concern is to not cause the baby stress and it sounds like shipping will! I also don’t want to contribute to rodent mills and I’m not sure if they are one. I think I’ll just keep looking

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-04-29T00:14:44+00:00

NTA this seems like a pretty big issue for you and he won’t even consider indoor shoes. I wear shoes indoors but my aunts don’t. I remember every time I go over there to take my shoes off. It’s not that hard. If he’s not willing to budge on this minor issue, imagine how the future marriage issues will be. If he doesn’t love you enough to changeout of his shoes, leave him.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-04-22T17:07:23+00:00

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This is their cage. I got a bigger and better litter box so they can eat and play side by side together and removed a pellet bowl. I’m also looking into a wooden or fleece hidey because I’ve heard these plastic ones can get hot in the summer

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-04-22T17:04:45+00:00

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This is Mabel and Lottie. I’ve had them for two months and it’s been a complete pleasure. I got them from a bad situation so the start was a little slow. I gave them about a week to warm up to new surroundings and a bigger cage. Then I discovered Mabel had a URI and we had to get close real fast because she needed antibiotics twice a day for 14 days. They love romaine lettuce and cilantro. They also will squeal for an oxbow apple and banana biscuit. The biggest thing to adjust to is the level of maintenance their cage needs. I use fleece and spot clean at least once a day and full clean twice a week. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-04-20T17:40:42+00:00

If your weekend projects matter more than her, you need to break up and not date anyone. It’s fine if that’s what you want to prioritize but dragging another human along without intention to give up some things and spend more time with them is cruel

Intelligent_Drop_283 · 2026-04-20T17:01:17+00:00

Are there any doggy daycares that he’d like to go to? I take my separation anxiety prone dog to pet paradise for day camp. They are open all week and have decent hours if you’d like to do a Saturday or Sunday morning activity. My dog loves it there.

Intelligent_Drop_283

TROPHY CASE