And I wanted to add. i'll probably only get my father's dog a couple of times a year.

If you really would like the company and responsibility of a dog, I think it would be great.............and an older dog is a good idea.........check the shelters........a rescue dog is a wonderful idea............

I have 5 cats........lol

My dog, Sparky is my best friend. Really. He knows when i am hurting, and he comes to my side and hangs out with me. Looking into his big, brown eyes, I see a love and devotion for me that is unconditional. He was that way when my wife Barbara lay dying from her cancer. Sparky didn't leave her bedside except to take care of his "dog" business. He never asks me for anything. He doesn't care if I don't shave or even take a shower when I don't want to. Sparky never judges me, nor does he make demands that I cannot meet. He is who he is, and he allows me to be who I am. Simply put, Sparky loves me. And I love him. So to answer your question.......by all means, get a dog. And may your dog be for you just as my Sparky is for me. God Bless You........Joe

I don't know what I'd do without my Pearl. She's a good listener with unconditional love. It sounds like you already know what is involved in dog care, so by all means get excited and go for it!

My dog never yells at me, doesn't call me names, doesn't leave dishes around the house or his clothes on the floors. He's happy when I come home and brings me gifts (usually his stuffed dog). He stays up until I stay up (or at least is sleeping nearby) and goes to bed in my bed when I go. He doesn't expect me to wait on him hand and foot, doesn't come home late and on the occasions when he gets constipated and his rear end needs to be cleaned, he'll come into the house, jump in the bathtub and back his butt up to the faucet by himself. Best of all, I know my dog cares about me and my dog likes me to be home with him. Get a dog.

I'm thinking no. An apartment, no place for it to run. 12 hour days and having to walk the dog after those long days. Frankly, I think it would be unfair to the dog. You're on the third floor. That seems safe enough in itself.

Get a cat or two for company and an alarm system.

No alarm systems allowed. It's a good neighborhood, but no neighborhood is safe. I did have a dog up until 2 months ago. She was 15 when she passed. An excellent dog that was used to be home alone. I'm thinking of a senior, already trained dog.

A picture says a thousand words (note the picture), I have eight but then five stay outside as I live in the woods. They watch for anything that might wander or slither into the yard. The little dogs are good inside, my eight pound Chihuahua stays under her covers all day and will use her puppy pad maybe once during the day, the other two are on the back porch till I get home. They are great company, very loving and alert me to any strange activity so I say yes get a Chihuahua. The little one is easy to walk also, no leash required (See My Photos) my wife had that poor little thing spoiled.

I'm sure a chihuahua could raise a ruckus, but don't know how much protection one could be. I have 2 dogs myself and I feel horrible having to leave them alone when I work. When we got these dogs there were two of us and they were never alone over 6 hours at a time. I still think a big dog in an apartment alone for the better part of a day is not a good idea, no matter the dog's age.

OK, how about 2 cats, pepper spray and a baseball bat?

I'd want to know what, if any, type dog my landlord would allow. Not every dog is suitable for an apartment, especially if you are on the third floor.

If you can have a dog in your apartment and you have love to give you can't go wrong, a dog is very good company they will love you no matter what and it's so much better than going home to an empty apartment. Ikmeb is right a rescue dog is a great way to go check the shelters near you, the dogs there need you as much as you need them.........Good luck............John

Think carefully about this decision. I have a six yr old lab that my husband and I got when he was 3 days old. The mother pushed him out of the box and wouldn't nurse him. My husband took very good care of him and now he is a very healthy 6 yr old. However he is also a lot of responsibility. Walking him is hard because he is so strong. He has to be bathed regularly. He eats a lot of food and needs to be played with. As much as I love him I can no longer care for him the way I should, so Labor Day weekend I am taking him to my son in Florida. He has 3 kids that will run with him and play with him. I am so worried he will be unhappy because he has never been away from us before. Everytime he sees something that belonged to Gerry he cries. He cries when he see Gerry's truck and I am hoping the change will be good for him too..He is good company though. Depending on how much you will be willing to do, consider the size and age. The older the dog the calmer. Also make sure it is completely trained to go outside to potty. The way you work the last thing you need is to come home to potty messes.
I know eventually I will get another pet but I may get a cat. They are better when left on their own. Just take everything into consideration before you go. Good Luck.

I personally think that dogs are so good to have around when you are alone and etc...however, if anything were to happen to my dogs ( I have 2) I wouldn't replace them. I think they are a big responsibility when you are grieving. Some days I don't feel like walking them, and then it is unfair to them, and I can't stand the guilt. I think you should decide what kind of time you can give to them, because they are going to want your attention when you are home, and you might be too tired to give it to them. I think you shouldn't get a dog right now. Hugs~Shelley

I am really divided on this one. I can see that the rescue dog thing is a great idea - but equally I would be concerned that 12 hours - up to three times a week is such a long time confined to a small apartment alone.
Have you considered a couple of cats - as they can be great company- or even two very small dogs- although I am not sure who much security that would bring. The other thing that might work is to subscribe to one of those personal alarm things where you press a button and a central system alerts nearby friends, neighbours or family that there is a health or another type of emergency.

I love dogs - and have chosen to get one since my husbands death - but am very conscious of meeting the needs of the dog as much as mine. Before when you had your previous dog - other than immediately after your husband's death - my guess is that your work times overlapped somewhat - lessening the time the dog was required to be alone???
Ultimately your descision - good luck with it

Debbie

Cats are great but I have a bird. If I get a dog it will be a small to medium size one. It's a tough decision. I don't know, maybe being a part-time dog mom is still the best way to go.