I'm settling into a new job, a new place, (very-very far away from where I was previous), and basically a new stage now that I'm out of college. My job is in my field (engineer) and the main office has fairly nice hours. As a requirement for my job, I will have to travel, temporary move, and relocate for extended periods (travel could be a few days to a week, relocation could be 3 years). Thus again, no dog for me because that would be very unfair to the animal in my opinion. I have, however, found an animal shelter to volunteer at here to continue gaining exposure to both dogs and people with dog questions/problems, and there is also a training school near by that does kind of a 'dog-intern' program for shadowing and assisting trainers. At the moment I cannot guarantee my schedule enough to join their intern program, nor do I have the funds for their classes- but it is something I am probably going to look into in the future (if I still keep up the goal of becoming a trainer of sorts). Because of my previous experience at the last shelter I volunteered at (and the very nice letter they sent to this one) I was able to work something out with them that I can have a more flexible schedule given that if I leave for an extended period of time, I'll take a two hour "refresher" course on their policies.
I also should state that I have neither cable nor internet at the place I'm living. Right now I'm using the community center's, and I figure not having it directly at my apartment will keep me a bit more productive, especially consider I work longer days than I use to. And although I may not be responding as much, I probably will be reading - there's always something new to learn, or another opinion on a matter!
Anyway, just wanted to share. I still like dogs and love working with them and their owners, but we will see where I actually end up.
