I work full time and I have 2 dogs and don't feel they are neglected in the least. One is a rescued pit bull who was going to be killed because he was found in an area where pit bulls are illegal. My dogs get exercise in the morning, eat breakfast when I do, and then get to nap all day. They are ready to play when the kids and I get home and they spend the rest of the evening in the company of a family that loves them. I think as long as you get a breed suited to your living arrangement, you should go for it---you would enjoy the companionship and so would the dog. If you're worried about it being alone all day, get two :-)

That's a good idea: Two dogs. Hadn't thought about that. I'd like to get older dogs. They'll have to be housebroken when they come to live with me. Thanks for the idea.

I have a dog and work full time - and I bet the dog is asleep 80% of the time. They say that dogs sleep about 8-9 hours at night and 5-6 during the day. I work sometimes on weekends at pet stores for 4 hrs at a time. I know some stores now have someone walk through the store at the end of the day looking for animals because people are bringing their pets in and leaving them in the stores because they can't afford them anymore. I don't think it's cruel at all to work full time and have a dog - tons of people do it - most people do work full time these days.

My dog is alone all day and is well adjusted. I get up extra early to be with her and when I leave for work, she walks into her crate without any coaxing. She's very comfortable in her cave. I won't get another dog because of the extra food and vet cost, plus I'd have to be sure that they got along. Walking two dogs would be a pain for me, plus there would be twice the poop. I socialize her and myself at a local dog park and at Petsmart. I'm a one dog woman and it works for both of us. I highly recommend this companionship- it certainly has helped me.

I also have 2 dogs and work. No problem! Both rescue adoptees and adults when we adopted them. We had thought about adopting a retired greyhound. They say are perfect for apt. and need very little exercise. Check them out if you can have a larger dog. We ended up getting 2 smaller dogs and they do keep each other company.

I have one dog and I work full-time too. However, it's just me here, so on the days I work, my sister comes over half-way in the middle of the day and tends to the little fellow, a small housedog.

It's a lot easier with other people in the household who get home at earlier hours. I sincerely believe if something happens and my sister can't watch my dog, I'll have to go on early SS. I can't afford a dog walker. This one tends to hold it while I'm gone too and that's not good....leads to bladder stones and infections.

Truhal:

My name is Shamus. Kirk is my human. Kirk told me about your question on our Sunday walk. Not only could you have a dog, you NEED a dog. We dogs love our humans unconditionally, and with us they are not alone. You really need a dog. I tell Kirk that it is important for his mental health to have another sentient being to care for. He buys it!

Kirk leaves during the week for work and I snooze in the easy chair. Kirk and Linda got me from the shelter a long time ago. Linda got sick. Now she is gone. Kirk gets sad and lonely without Linda, but I am his best friend. He is always really, really glad to see me when he gets home. I race around and get excited. It seems to make his day. I love our walks, especially on the week-ends. Since Linda has gone, I make a special effort to comfort him. I sleep right up against his legs so he knows I am there. We dogs can acutely sense our human's moods: sadness, joy, loneliness, impatience. And we dogs do our best to make them happy. And I love being loved (and rubbed, fed, walked and scratched). I heard on TV that dogs were very good for older people who were alone. Dogs helped their health and kept them happy. I can really believe that! Grandpa Lane has his dog Molly, and since his wife went away, he is devoted to Molly. I visit them in Ohio when Kirk goes, and Molly and I have a great time. I like riding with Kirk, but he does not let me drive, only stick my head out the window.
When Kirk and Linda got me from the pound, they were the third people to take me home. I was not hyper, but it was a new home. Since they both worked, for a while they put me in my own den, a crate, during the day. I didn't really mind, it was kind of comforting. After a while I trained them into a routine, and now it really is my house. After all I am the one there all the time.
My Aunt Lisa has two dogs, and they keep one another company during the day. I love it when Aunt Lisa or Uncle Bob visit. They are a part of my family. I think Kirk and Linda used to have two dogs, I could smell them when I first arrived.
I knew a lot of other dogs in the pound. Some were very nice. None deserved to be there. You should take one home. That dog will love you and you will love it. And life will be good. Trust me. We dogs know about love.
Shamus

I have two dogs, one is so old now shes deaf & I have a 2 yr old lab
I have a fenced in yard, covered porch, and doorway into my home so they go in and out. I am going to get another dog so Chelsea has someone to play with while I go back to work. I always worked and my dogs always were happy to see me, and weekends we had good times together. They say people with pets live alot longer and happier.
I think it has to be the right kind of dog, in a home without a yard a smaller size with two of them for company would be great. I think you would find you would enjoy them. Mutts are always the best - your local shelters are good at matching you with right ones, and if one does not work out you can exchange it...at least here.

I have three dogs and a doggy door and they let me live in their house too. My husband has only been gone for 3 weeks but I couldn't be at home alone. They sre so much company and they make me laugh, which i need. Adopt no doubt about it , they love unconditioaly. Patsy

the little green grass pad from petco is great if you can't have a doggy door you could put it in the utility room or bathroom while you are at work. just throw it in the washer after a few uses.

Once the dog trains you - every thing will be ok Tru!!! I adopted Daisy the Wonder Dog after Jerry died. It was like a miracle I found her - too long a story except I KNOW God gave me her. She is a Cock-A-Poo - only she got the Cocker Spaniel brain, and the Poodle coat - should have been the other way around. Anyway - we have a dog park here - so wonderful. All they want is love....and shots....and food....and boarding....and toys....and - but it's so worth it. Only in the past month she started sleeping with me - I said that will never happen - yup, she's training me!!!

Since Shamus answered you - I am going to too. My name is Max. I am alone most of the day - but I love my home and my family. When someone comes home I pick up a toy and run to greet them at the door with my little tail wagging.

During the day I watch the house when I am the only one home. It is my job. I look out the window and if someone walks by I bark. I protect my house for my family. I would never trade my family for another one.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm getting a dog sometime in the spring. I can't wait!

3 years ago, Jeff convinced me that we should get another dog to keep my 7 year old mutt company. We went to the humane society and found our Roxy. She was a 50 lb, 5month old Rotty. I was a little nervous to own a rottweiler. You hear so much about their reputations. But Jeff had owned one before and swore she was a wonderful dog. So, Roxy came home with us.
I don't know what I'd do without my dogs. And second chance pets know they are loved. They seem to sense that you are giving them that shot at life again.
Please consider giving a dog or even better, 2 dogs , a home. They will help you heal, I promise!
Our dogs are often home by themselves for 6 or more hours. They don't tear up anything or have accidents.

kirkevans, I loved your post!! I also have 2 dogs now. Before my husband died we had several but 2 is the right amount for me. I also work and they stay in an exercise pen during that time. I leave a potty paper down since they are small dogs and need to go more often. They sleep with me at night and are such a comfort. I would say get one or two either way you'll be glad you did.