Hey I'm just about to start at Cardozo for May. I'm moving from LA to NYC and I will most likely live on my own in a studio. I've always wanted a dog, and I was thinking since I'll be by myself in NYC, why not get a dog. So I have a question for you dog owners, would it be a good idea to get a dog in my 1L, or law school in general? would it pose too much of a burden? and what about having a dog in the city?

Thanks in advance!

It'll be quite a bit of a burden ...
There is a 3L at my school who goes everywhere with her dog, even attends classes with the dog ... I think otherwise she would not find enough time to walk the dog.

be prepared to bring your dog to school ...

Cat?

I don't think that will be a good thing. I had a dog my freshmen year of college and I was almost never home to take care of it, so I have to give him to my parents. I can only imagine that law school will even consume more of your time.

The cat is a good idea, I'm going to be getting a cat as well

2nd the cat suggestion.

The cat in my avatar, Cosette, will be coming with me wherever I go!

Seriously, is this allowed? My wife would love it if she could take our shih tzu to class with her, but she assumed it's totally off limits.

I have seem people bring dogs to school before in undergrad classes, i just assume it depends on the prof

I actually have never liked cats, but I love having a pet, so I'm trying to learn to love cats to see if I might want one.

I just know I wouldn't have the time to give the dog the attention it needs.

What about fish or snake (I hate both)

Gew.

If you have a roommate i imagine you can share a dog...?

Why is wrong with cats? They are awesome and super cute!



himalayan cats are the best!

What about a small (aka low maintence) dog? I'm a 0L who is adopting a little dog in a few weeks. I will be able to spend the summer training/adjusting him, and my fiance will be able to go home at lunch for a while...although he can't do this long term. Is this a bad idea? I've heard little dogs can use "wee wee pads" if they are home alone from 9-4ish...but is this a bad idea? Would he be unhappy? The way our schedules will overlap he'll only be alone 9-4. Also, I would totally get a cat, but my fiance is allergic

I go to BC. I've seen more than 1 student bringing puppy to school. This girl brings her puppy to every crim pro class ... the puppy is well-behaved.

Yes! I had the best himalayan! They really are great cats...unfortunately my fiance has allergies, so a himalayan *might* actually kill him. But +1, they are very cute/friendly!

Seriously? Isn't that kinda inappropriate/distracting?

ha. but the puppy is so well-behaved that no one is really distracted. she just has a nap next to the 3L every class....

It depends on what kind of dog, some dogs require more maintenance than other. For example, Yorkie are real small dogs but are always super hyper, so if you had one of those it would go crazy in a confined space for longer than a couple of hours. You would also need it to train it to use the pads. I know they tell you that the dog will pretty much use it but that is not the case, the dog has to be trained to use the pad.

Some bigger dogs are actually better for this such a Golden Retriever, they pretty much take care of them selves.

Oh! Most small dogs I know are pretty hyper. My parents have a Maltese and he never stands still.

Boo boo boo.

PubIntLawyer, Time to get rid of the husband

Thanks for the info! It's a Shih-Tzu if that makes a difference...I've heard they're fairly "chill" dogs. And, "Paste Me," I've given the fiance the cat ultimatum before I really am more of a "cat person"...thus the dog that looks/acts like a cat

I'm not a current student, but I have had dogs my whole life. If you're on your own, with no SO to help you take care of it, I strongly discourage getting a puppy for 1L. Dogs/puppies require much more attention than you'll be able to give it. The time commitment (not to mention $$$ for shots, vet visits, food, etc.) is not fair to you, and being home alone for hours on end is not fair to the dog.

if you're not allergic, a cat might be better. i was never a cat person growing up, but my current gf has a cat who is totally awesome and has majorly grown on me. cats are kind of like wild animals who just enjoy your company--it's not like having a kid who will never grow up (read, "dog").

thanks for your replies, it seems that not having a dog would be the best idea for 1L. I wonder, however, how would Welsh Cardigan Corgi would do if I brought it to class?

this?

I have had a dog for the last two years of my undergrad. There are many days I'm gone from 8-5 and I have a small (5 lb) chihuahua. While I hate leaving her for long periods of time she does use wee-wee pads while I'm away. I rescued her so it took me a summer to have her get used to the new home. I always try to run home around lunch time to take her out/play for an hour. Fortunately, her favorite thing to do is sleep on the couch. I always find her sleeping when I come home. She's never ruined anything in my apartment and she doesn't really bark. She's pretty independent, which makes taking care of hear really easy.

All in all, she's made me so much happier in UG and I couldn't imagine not having her. I have thought of taking her to class before but I never have. I don't know if I would want to see/hear the prof's reaction. I don't want to be the Elle Woods of my law school. Anyway, if you have good time management and the dog isn't hyper (no jack russel terriers or yorkies) I think you'll be fine.