I have a dog, but think it is a lot like having a child at times. My dog likes a lot of attention and does not like to be home alone. Believe it or not she is a pit bull, but she is a big baby. I do like having her at night for protection because she barks at any sound she hears outside my house (i live in the country) and it does make me feel safer.

That's such a personal decision and pets are so much comfort and company. When we got married years ago, we had dogs. Working and having to rush home to let the dog out and boarding when we went out of town frequently became an inconvenience for us. So when we lost our last dog we switched to having 2 cats and have had cats ever since. They keep each other company when I'm away and can take can of themselves. Of course, they're not much in the protection dept., lol. I love both dogs and cats. Our pets offer so much companionship when you live alone. If your preference is a dog, I'd go for it. Take care, Sandra

I think dogs are wonderful company, as well as work...*lol*
If you get a dog that doesn't need a lot of outside exercise (depends on the breed) and crate them during the day - to help with the barking and possible damage to your apt. - go for it!

My Airedale died less than a month before my husband, I miss her! I've still got a 3 1/2 lb. Yorkie, he's such a lap dog, like a cat that barks! Great company and life in the house.
This is a very personal decision, good luck with it.
~AJ

Mine are really small but I have no doubt they would protect me as best they could... if you love dogs I would get one. They not only protect you but give you unconditional love!

I think it's a great idea. All my younger years we always had cats, and dogs around. In those years I mostly just took it for granted, and didn't see that much in it. Now I find things have changed a lot. I went through a lot of painfull events in my life. I got a cat about two years ago, and found a lot of comfort in having her. Later I found a stray on the road crying one ni ght, and I brought her home. The both of them have really helped me a lot. It's good having something to care for, and to love. I look foreward to doing things for them that makes them happy. I find they teach me a lot about life, from a differant perspective. They live life just as it is, and they aren't as crazy as people are. They do fill a void in my life, and I find love, happiness, joy, and peace from them. Go ahead and get one. You'll be surprised at the change they bring to you. Mostly, you'll notice the total unconditional love they give. Something that's hard to find in people. All the best. James

You have to carefully weigh out the responsibility of owning a dog livining alone, and whether it would be fair to the animal according to your work schedule. That is, will the dog be alone more than not? Will the responsibility of a dog fit into your work schedule?

I really wanted a dog, but didn't want to leave it home 8 hours a day while I worked. Plus having to walk it in all kinds of weather and at all hours of the day or night.

A cat has proven to be so much easier, but she may as well be a dog. She certainly follows me around like one.

Blessings, Debbie

I so totally agree with Mqould's reply - I couldn't have said it better! I love my dogs and my cat and they are my life. They are non negotiable and I cannot imagine my life without them in it. Why not get 2 small dogs so that when you are not there they can play with each other and have each other for company. We got 2 puppies in May last year and they have grown up wonderfully together ... I always used to get one - I will never only get one again after seeing these two together. You will never be alone again if you have dogs for company for they will love you unconditionally and be your best friend. But if you cannot give them the time or affection they require, then do think seriously before you do this. Hugs, Gail xxx

I think you should have something if you are all alone. Pets help us so much. I think having to care for my dog is one of the reasons I get up and try every day. She is such a sweet heart. No matter how I feel she is right here beside me understanding.
Cie

If your landlord will let you have a dog and that is what you want -- go for it.

I have a Pug that Joe was buying me for Christmas when he died. She was extra hyper at first, but, kept me on my toes. I wondered why I had wanted a puppy!! LOL I love the little sweetie though. She will be 3 yr in Dec. and has settled down so much. Pugs do not bark very often. That is something else you need to think about. If you get a dog that barks a lot, its probably not going to set well with your neighbors.

Mine will bark when we are both up if she hears something outside at night, or if someone knocks. I laugh at her and tell her she is not supposed to bark when someone knocks. She is supposed to bark if someone comes in w/o knocking. She does sometimes, but usually just runs to see who it is and starts smelling their shoes. LOL (My nephew, grandsons, dtr and son-in-law sometimes just open the door and call out and come on in.)

My Pug wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose! She is a big baby and a lot of company. She loves me and doesn't like for me to leave. I feel bad if I have to be gone several hours, but she is fine.

I crate trained her. I bought a pen that I attached to her wire crate so that when I am gone, she can come out of her crate and eat or get a drink of water, and her puppy pads stay inside her pen also. She goes back to her puppy pad when she is out of her pen--when she needs to, if I'm busy. I don't let her run around the house when I'm not here.

I have the pen and crate in my den. It takes up a good part of the floor, but, she is happy in it when I am gone. She usually sleeps anyway when I'm not here. She goes in it willingly as soon as I go to where I keep her treats. I've trained her to do that. As long as she gets those little treats she goes in her pen great.

When I am here, she sleeps either in my lap or under my feet, when I'm sitting and she's not playing. She sleeps at night in her crate. I do not want to sleep with a dog! I know lots of people do, but not me.

She and I walk around outside at least once a day and twice most days. I also have a fenced in back yard that she plays in sometimes, but, I NEVER leave her out there when I'm gone. We've had a couple of dogs stolen, and many have gotten run over on the highway.

So, think about the size, barking, and what the dog is used to -- crate or not. If you can go home during your 12 hr. shift and check on your dog, that would be great! They are just so much company.

Hugs, Joely

My children want me to get a dog...they think it will help me. I am still considering it.

I think I'm going to wait and see how everything goes. Maybe in 6 months or so I'll have a better idea as to if this will work or not. Thanks everyone for the replies.