Should I take her or leave her?

Question

I'm talking about my dog. I'm going to be in Rome for a year and am debating on taking my dog with me. I just thought it would be nice to have a "friend" from home because I will be by myself until I make new friends. I'm not even for sure if I can afford it though, I need to look into that. I do not know though if I want to take her or not, not knowing if I should take on the burden of a dog by myself with everything else I am taking on. If I do not take her with me she will be staying with my mother so she is in good hands (and my mother loves her so it is not to much of a burden on her). What would you do in this situation?

Thank you for the answers!

Answer 1

You should look into Italy's policy on bringing pets into the country. I know that in some places, the dogs have to be quarantined for months after they get in the new country. Check it out.

Answer 2

I don't know where you will be staying in Roma, but having a dog with you will make housing that much more difficult. Also, you will need to research the rules about bringing pets into Italy. The best option would be to go without your dog and first discover whether it would even be feasible and then maybe someone can bring your dog to you within the year.

Answer 3

I am answering your question partially because I am a dog lover and partially because I have been to Rome.   Maybe you are headed there for work or maybe you are studying abroad.  Whatever your reason for going to Rome for a year there are a few things to consider.  You have to look at this from the dog's perspective; not just your own needs. Will you be away from your home leaving the dog for long hours each day??  Will you be staying somewhere where there are opportunities for the dog to get out and exercise? Can you find a nice place to live that will also accept a dog?  You say you want a friend from home there, but please consider that you will be making new friends in Rome and will probably want to spend lots of time with them.  Then the dog will be spending more time alone there.  

Rome is a wonderful city, and you will have lots of fun exploring it, but I know that when you are in Italy you are also going to want to see so much more of that fabulous country.  I certainly wanted to when I was there.  If the dog is there, who will take care of it when you decide to explore other areas of Italy? Will you get resentful and feel that the dog's presence is holding you back from doing certain things?

As long as your Mom is able to care for the dog and is willing to, which it sounds like  she is, the dog may be happier at home with Mom.  She will be in a familiar place with someone who you know will give her love and the best care possible.

Please consider that there may be a quarantine period too for the dog  when she gets to Italy..I'm not sure about Italy but the U.K. has one which I believe is 6 months!!!

Flying is also traumatic for a dog. Sadly,  some don't even make it to their destinations.   Please consider all these things carefully when making your decision.  

Meanwhile, Roma is wonderful, so enjoy your experience there!!  A whole year in Italy..I am envious!! (LOL!!) Ciao!!!

Answer 4

I think your mother would enjoy it more than you would and would be well taken care of, the cost of taken the dog would also enter the picture, and does the Italian government allow such a thing.

Answer 5

Hey LZ Babe,, i have seen you in the Q and A a lot !!  

Look, personally,, i would leave the dog.. especially if she is in good hands.... Rome, is a busy city,, like all big cities here in America,, and if your going to school or whatever,,, I think your dog would be better off at home..

Dont take this the wrong way,, I travel all over the world and have 4 dogs that love me.. like i do them,, but its hard on them flying and such....

Have fun,, Be Aware of the pickpockets and purse, backpack, camera,phone snatchers !!!!!   I am Not kidding .....  they are ver very good !!!   i watched them in action around St Peters Sq.. and else where,,, they work in teams,,,, so dont turn your back...on anything !!!! it will be gone!!!  

Other than that,, its great,, the train goes to Florence about every hour and takes about 1 and half hours to get there,,, Go!! its my fav city.(leather goods)

Good luck....

Answer 6

leave her with your mama man, i mean when ur in Rome the dog will eventually become a burden dont ya think? mama loves the dog so it will be ok and u will be able to see pics of the dog on the net anyway if need be ya know!

have a great and safe trip! wish i could go!

Answer 7

Well I would leave her there untill you are all settled in. Once you have things under control if you still want her with you , send for her. Good luck and have fun on your trip!

Answer 8

I think you should leave her. Not to be insensitive, but you will be busy yourself, and you wouldn't be able to give your dog the attention she needs, and she would be a burden on you. You will miss her, but at least she will be with your mother, who will treat her well, and you won't have to worry about her.

You need to focus on being in Rome, and having a dog to take care of would just make things more difficult for  you. She'll be there when you come back.

You could take me though;)

Answer 9

hmm i think u shud take her with u becuz a dog will help u get through the hard times when ur there and its always nice to have alil piece of home xD