Chinese Shar Pei

Question
I am very interested in the Chinese Shar Pei and I have done some research on the breed (reading books, encyclopedias, online research, etc...) and learned that although they can be independent, it is best that their owner is able to spend a lot of time with them.
I'd really like to get a Chinese Shar Pei because I love the breed's personality and I like that they are so easy to house-train and I think it's good that the breed does not require a lot of grooming.
However, I am 17 years old and my parents do not approve of getting a dog at this time. I considered getting a dog while in college, but I have not heard of a college dormitory that allows dogs and I probably would not have the time or money to care for it. There's the possibility of getting a dog after I graduate from college, but then I'd probably be starting work and I still would not have a lot of time to care for a dog unless I worked from my home.
Do you know if there is a good time that I might be able to get a dog? I'd like to be able to spend time with the dog and still have the money to care for him/her. Are there any jobs that allow employees to bring their dogs to work? Are there businesses that will pet-sit during the day while the owners are working? Is it bad for a dog if the owner leaves him/her with someone else for several hours every day?
Thank you,
Sara

Answer
Hi!  I think it is great that you are putting so much thought into this.  I really could not tell you if there is a good or bad time for you to get a dog.  This would be up to you to decide.  I can however tell you that if you get a dog at a time that you are unable to spend time with it and properly train it then you will end up with a dog on your hands that has behavior issues.  I do not know of any jobs that allow you to take pets to work.  I do know that there are a such thing as pet daycares.  In which dogs do very well with.  I hope this helps you.