Dog 101

Dear Dog Lady,

We’ve had our family dog London for six years. She’s a wonderful little Maltese and she means everything to my daughter, Diane. When Diane goes back to college for her spring semester, she says she wants to bring London with her. Her dorm allows small pets and there are a few, but not a lot of dogs. While I would miss both of my kids with them gone, I’m concerned about London’s well-being. Is a college dorm a good place for a dog? Even one that is loved?

Aubrey, Greenwich, CT

Aubrey, best to keep London on your side of the pond. A college dorm is not a suitable environment for a pampered pet used to the comforts of home.

Dog Lady does not suggest Diane could not cope with the cherished Maltese while doing school work and spinning in the active social whirl of college. But she’s bound to get tired of the London responsibility. Who can blame her? These are your daughter’s years to spread her wings. A dog could be an obstacle in her flight path.

When you deny Diane’s request to take London to college, make sure you frame your response as concern for your daughter because her health and welfare is your first priority. Perhaps her desire to bring London to school is indicative of deeper yearnings for the comforts of home and feelings of alienation. Make sure you have a heart-to-heart with your daughter before she departs.

Point out to Diane she could tire quickly of the chores attendant to caring for London. Make sure you remind her that her freedom will be greatly restricted. There will be no spontaneous jaunts to the college snack bar when she has to run back to her room and feed London. Any dates with the captain of the football team will be chaperoned if she must bring London along. Inevitably, your daughter will agree with this reasoning.

For the little Maltese, staying put will be the best situation. After all, London already has a Ph.D. in home economics. She is used to your petting. All her routines would be disrupted if she was uprooted. Convince Diane that London will be happier off campus. Assure her the dog will always be her devoted sorority sister.

Posted by Dog Lady at February 28, 2006 12:35 PM