Go for the dog. I work part time on weekends promoting a dog food in pet stores and have heard countless stories of all kinds of animals being abandoned all over because people cannot afford them. Some stores even have someone walk all over the stores after closing because animals are now being taken in an left.

Aside from that, as you know an animal is a great companion. You'll be helping both yourself and the dog. As you said, there are many people with schedules like your who have pets.

A rescue dog will show his or her appreciation for a good home every day. I am sure you can work out a daily routine a dog walker is a good plan.

Hugs,
Ron

I'm looking at your avatar, Truhal. You're a bird. A bird does NOT need a dog. A bird might LIKE a dog around to entertain him, but how's he going to feed you? Who will change the newspaper on the floor of your cage?? He has no thumbs and probably doesn't even READ a paper.

Seriously now - how did your other dog cope while you were gone? I'm assuming you had the same work schedule while he was still with you, so use that as a yardstick.

Having a dog walker sounds like a positive step, and you'd be coming home to him after work every day, and have all of your downtime to spend with him as well.

You said it would take some time to find one, so it sounds like you're not on the rebound. If you're in no hurry, then I think you'll have plenty of time to sort things out and make the right decision.

Meanwhile, pass the sunflower seeds :)

I forgot (Widow brain) Lucy the dog in my picture is a rescue dog and she thinks it's a good idea too.

Have you ever considered a cat? They're very low maintenance and do very well being alone in the house, but are equally as grateful upon your arrival home.

As long as there's food and water my three are as happy as can be. And, you don't have to walk them.

It's a win win situation. I'd get the dog. Most people work and have animals and besides, you need each other. Our pet children are so much company and comfort. Keep us updated. Take care, Sandra

I will second the idea of a cat. There are many great cat rescue places all over that have a lot of really cute cats. I am a lazy girl that will not walk a dog. Cats are self sufficient and can be left for a couple of days as long as they have enough food/water. Dogs also have to go outside and I am not wanting the flea issue. If I had a dog it would be out running in the fields, rolling in the cow/pig poo and causing me a lot of issues. Think about a cat.

We had dogs and switched to cats years ago. Love both but cats worked better for us at the time. If you would decide on a cat, I'd recommend getting 2 so they have a buddy. My first 2 boys lived to be 21 and 23 in people yrs. The two I have now are 10 and 9. Take care.

Go for it. A good home is definitely better than the kennel. Maybe it would be good to get a little older dog, over 2 or so, so that they don't need too much activity when you're at work. There are so many rescues now you can pick your breed, go on line at petfinder and seek out your favorite breed. Hug, Donna

I work 12 hour shifts and have 5 dogs. Only one is a rescue but I had 2 bad experiences with rescues. I have a pet sitter and the dogs keep each other company. Maybe you can find 2 rescues that already know each other and they can keep each other company. My chihuahuas never go outside because they are too difficult too watch with the alligators so close. They don't need much exercise they can run in the house. My dogs are happy. I know they know the days I go to work because we have a routine and they are used to it even though I don't work the same days eack week they know when I am going. They love the petsitter and she is my only friend. Also chihuahuas don't make a big mess if they have an accident. My dogs hardly ever have accidents and I know they love me. for me dogs are the best.
Janet

I'd love a cat, but the bird voted against it. Didn't like the idea of being prey. Harryswidow, what sort of bad experience did you have with rescues?

Truhal, I don't know how much help I'll be, but I'll try.

First, I chose a cat because I work full time. Would have rather had a dog, but it would be home alone all day, and in the evening if I went out. I didn't think that was fair to the dog, for they demand more attention than a cat does.

Then there was the walking issue. In our development we have to curb our dog. That's not the problem, but going out in all the weather elements, plus any time of the day or night. I would also need to come home at lunch every day. Since I work about 20 minutes from home, it wouldn't leave me much time to spend with Fifi.

It's not really so much what I think, but what you believe you can give to the animal. How much attention will you be able to devote to it? Will it be alone more than it is with you? Absentee owners can't devote the time needed to train either.

It needs some real thinking here, and I'm sure you will make the right decision.

I used to come home everyday for my dog at lunch. I'd take her out and feed her and my bird. It was a special time. Now, I live to far. The first week here, I had a dog walker come in and take her out. Expensive, but I wanted her to have as much time with people as possible.

Right now I live with my father, but that's only for a year. And I can't depend on it lasting that long.

Agree, get a dog BUT try and find out the history. Friends rescued a dog and when left alone he destroys the house, eats the drywall, the door etc. He is now on meds and not much better. I would be (even more) lost without our canine daughter Amie, they are such great company. Hugs, Wendy PS Let us know,

Truhal-

I'm a vet, so I'm not sure I can offer an impartial decision on this one :-) I do think this could be a real win-win if you could find a pet that needed you, too. My pit bull was a rescue that I found on the internet and picked up in Kansas City. They are outlawed there, so he would have been put down if not fostered or adopted. He has been one of my favorite pets ever and I can't imagine not having that companionship. I'd suggest you visit the local shelter and see if you connect with one of the pets there. I'm a firm believer in the idea that our pets find US, not necessarily the other way around. I appreciate your concern about work hours, but most dogs sleep most of the day anyway and better to do that in a loving home than in a run in a shelter. Just don't be in a hurry to adopt the first dog you see---you'll be making a commitment for over a decade in all likelihood, so take the time you need to make sure it's the right match. Keep us posted!

CJ