To get a rescue dog under my circumstances?

[Gamechanger12e3]

Long one but don't wanna leave anything out.

So i live on my own(own my house). Mid twenties. Work full time hours but job is flexible in terms of WFH if/when needed (like today!).

I have been seriously considering getting a rescue dog for over a year now. An older one of 5+ and a small breed. I can financially afford it.

I suppose the cons are:

1. I work full time so mon - fri there will be at least 2 days a week it will be on its own for 7 hours.
2. I'm young so i know life does change quickly in your twenties. However ive worked the same job for several years now and have a mortgage etc, so not likely to up sticks as much as anyone else. I also have no desire too.
3. Dogs are tying and it is a lifestyle change.

My reasons for wanting a dog is.

1. Companionship- lived on my own many years, would like the company. I'm happy to go for daily walks.
2. My mental health, i do suffer depression im medicated for and heard dogs can be great for mental health.
3. I feel i have a lot to offer a rescue dog in terms of love, affection, stability, nice warm home.
4. I think living in my home, with me spending 2 days a week in work for 7 hours would still be a lot better than life in a rescue kennel?

There are no kids/other animals to consider. I've also been back and fourth with this idea for well over a year. I keep reading its so 'tying' so dont do it'. Then when i really think about it, i don't ever actually go anywhere unplanned or spontaneously stay out/go places and i have no desire too. I'm away this weekend with friends, but this trip has been booked over a year. I also go on holiday with my boyfriend in august. That's been booked 8 months in advance. All my trips are the same.

What are your thoughts fellow dog lovers?

I think your situation would work, for the right dog, as long as you ensure the 7 hours are broken up by a dog walker or a visit from your neighbour.
What could turn into a nightmare for both you and a young or lively dog could be a very happy ending for an older, quiet dog.

Unfortunately, not all dogs in rescue will eventually find a home. Different charities have different guidelines for rehoming. You might find the website www.rescuereview.co.uk helpful. Good luck!

I rescued a dog when I was a sahm and my circumstances changed, so now I have no choice but to work three days pw for 7-8hrs.

I walk my dog before and after work, and we have a lovely time together on the other four days.

My cctv suggests he is very happy during the day, left with blankets, chew toys, rawhide, radio on.

Sadly I do not think that a rescue would allow you to take a dog in your situation but it's a shame because it sounds like you've given it more thought than most and would be able to give a dog a lovely life.

A doggie door into the garden is perfectly acceptable for covering your time at work.

Do include occasional pet sitting in your budget. It does add to holiday costs.

I work full time and have a dog, but I do pay a dog walker who takes her out for 1.5 hours in the middle of the day. She isn't a high energy breed and loves to sleep.

Thanks for all the perspectives given.

I have submitted my application form to a rescue and was entirely honest about the 2 days at work.

If they say no/advise not too, then i will 100% accept it. I do not want to put any animal through any unnecessary distress.

It does seem a shame really that a rescue may put down a otherwise healthy dog rather than rehome it to someone out 2 days a week. The dog would have me most the time the other 5 days a week, plus daily walks and undivided attention.

I will have to see what they say. I would consider a greyhound but my house is too small and stairs too steep/narrow for the long thin legs of a greyhound i woud live in fear itd have a fall.

Thanks for all the useful info/input. X

The options aren’t put a dog down or rehome to you.
A dog can’t be left all day. You need to seek out a decent walker or daycare. Any dog left such long hours could develop behavioural issues.

A greyhound may be your best bet. They’re quite docile and don’t need nearly as much exercise as people think. They’re usually quite clean indoors but will require an adjustment period as, having never lived in a house before, everything is scary to them. Mine usually goes to my parents if I’m going to be gone a long time, although I have gone out for the day & been longer then anticipated with no problems. I would suggest getting someone to pop in & let the dog out.

Try RGT (Retired Greyhound Trust), to see if a greyhound would suit you. They do make great pets, often very loving. Just be advised they do prefer sleeping off the ground so will just love your sofa!

Seriously, think long and hard about this before you take a dog on. Rain or shine it has to be walked, definitely insure it and make sure vet/food bills don’t strain your budget. They can be great for mental health, just knowing they’re there to greet you when you get home can make a bad day better but they can also be a lot of work. It’s a serious commitment so maybe chat to some people at a shelter before you decide.

We've rescued a real old boy, he's 12 and my mental health has picked up a bit since having him. He doesn't get the level of separation anxiety which my last rescue had. Last one would sometimes protest poop, would try to escape, etc. And he was more of a barker.

Definitely only do it if you can take a few weeks off work for it because you need that time to get used to each other and build a confident bond before you spend long periods of time away. Walkers are fantastic, the borrowing apps are great, but it might take time for your dog to really understand that you're there for them and that your time is their home and it isn't going to be taken away.

Have you looked at ex racing greyhounds? There are loads of older ones who need someone. They're one of the easier breeds to rehome in my experience. And there's usually a lot of follow up support plus the reactive grey community.

I'm home with ours all the time because I'm not well. Having someone to talk to has been a life saver. I have to get up and care for him. When I'm really poorly he's there, snuggling up to me or making me smile.

I would do some research through YouTube and watch Battersea videos. This is something I did as part of my research.

The rescues don't want to give full time workers dogs because it will impact badly on the dog. Don't forget that a dog in a rescue is likely to have issues already and really needs a secure home where they can be reassured that their owner is there for them which could likely be something that didn't happen in the past. In my experience rescue dogs need a lot of extra care especially settling in to their new environment.

wolfie unfortunately some rescues do put down older dogs they are unable to find homes for. It's very unfortunate but it does happen.

Like i stated above. I have submitted my application form and was very clear about the 2 days i work 7 hours out the home.

This particular rescue has a great reputation and one of the oldest rescues in my area. They have pretty high standards for who they rehome too. If i don't meet the standards i don't meet them.

Also i of course would be taking time off to settle a dog in.

The dog flap idea came from 2 neighbours on my street who have them and work fulltime. We live in a closed off cul de sac. In fact the lady living opposite me is a GP and out the house long days. She seems to work it well and takes the dog for a long walk every morning before she goes to to the surgery. She's given me a few good tips and pros and cons.

Like i said this isn't a last minute/impulsive decision. I've been researching and dog walking a year now. So we shall see.

I spend a lot of time walking rescue dogs at my local animal shelter. I would say without a doubt that the dogs I have walked over the years would love to live with you.
They are alone in a concrete cell 90% of the time, so 7 hours is insignificant, especially if in a cosy house.
Yes, a small minority have separation anxiety, but most are fine - just long for a home like yours.
And a big plus is the shelters often let you take a dog for a trial period, or on a foster basis, so there is flexibility.
Really hope it works out for you.

I hope you get approved. If not, try a different rescue.

Go and talk to your neighbour. I can’t have a dog right now, so I’d LOVE my neighbour to get one I could ‘share’ 😊

My Mum has her neighbours key, she goes and collects George & takes him back to hers if she’s going to be home for a few hours, or they go off for a play at the beach or a walk in the woods. He has ‘sleep overs’ when they go out for the evening & he stays at ‘Nana’s’ when they go on holiday if he can’t go too. It’s the perfect set up. But even if your neighbour isn’t up for a full Doggy Grandparent Role 🤣. She might be happy to help on your longer days.

Plenty of dogs are fine left for longer. It’s a new hysteria —only on MN— that a dog can’t be left for more than 5 minutes. Two out of 7 longer days isn’t bad at all.

But don’t get a doggy door unless you tell your neighbours to let you know if your dog is barking when you’re not there. Our neighbours have one and the bloody yappy thing doesn’t stop yapping It’s a Jack Russel - day & night it’s out there yap yap fucking yap 🤬

Don’t get a JR.

Oh, I know that sounds contradictory! I WOULD love our (nice) neighbours to get a dog we could share 😊 I would like our (other) neighbours —to move— be more responsible & considerate. Let’s just say the yapping dog takes after them 😂

A much older dog wouldn’t manage to be left for such long hours anyway.
My dog couldn’t be left at all for months. She chewed through a wall when I went to the toilet without her. What happens if your new dog develops separation anxiety?
A dog door isn’t secure and won’t stop your dog doing things you don’t want when you’re not there. Digging. Mud in the house. Barking and disturbing neighbours. Eating stuff it shouldn’t.
You seem set on getting a dog. I hope the rescue dissuades you or puts you in touch with daycare.

Thank you meadow and incredibly my friends have said the same thing. Especially as dogs are often left from 5pm - 6:30am on their own in concrete kennels. I have a lot of time and love to give.

Like this past week for example. Ive worked from home everyday/night. I've only left. The house once since sunday morning for 45 mins to do my weekly food shop. Its a shame to think there may be dog who would be loving to be here with me right now, and for me to have that companionship.

Fingers crossed.

Why don’t you try borrowmydoggy as a borrower?

woolfie you seem dead set against me getting a dog. All dogs are different. As other posters have said some of their dogs are fine left, others aren't.

I trust the shelter would have the correct qualifications to assess whether or not my lifestyle is suitable and match a dog too that. Or the shelter could say 'hell no' in which i would honestly 100% respect and leave it there.

As stated. Ive looked up doggy day care. None in my area. But the shelter may be able to advise. Also my retired neighbour who has a key could pop in mid day in my two 7 hour days to check. Or, as stated, i can put in for a flexi request at work if really necessary.

I think you would be shocked at every dog owner i know as most work full time and don't even have someone pop in during the day! They all seem well behaved and happy enough whenever i go over or on walks with them despite this cruelty. I would never consider doing that, but understand many do.

sleep i do currently do dog walking under a rescue/foster scheme. I love it!! I've made many doggy friends!

@Gamechanger12e3 I work from home but there has been days (1-3 times a month) I am out most of the day and my little dog is fine. As long as they are looked after and loved it is all ok

Please make sure that your prospective dog doesn't have a separation anxiety. I often go and spend a day at a friend's house while she goes out, as her rescue dog has huge separation anxiety and gets distressed if left alone for more than a couple of hours. Because he is stressed in kennels, sometimes I stay overnight if they have to stay away.

moonchild12e3 thank you for your reassurance. Ive been very clear about the 2 days a week so hope its not too much of an issue. But if it is then at least ive been 100% honest.

I saw that, but bmd might turn up a dog that you could look after for longer periods, maybe someone who would love regular care when they are at work for example . We did it when I was trying to decide whether to get our own and for a few months we regularly had one dog at least 2 days a week and for sleepovers. We also took care of her for 3 weeks while her family was in the US, it was great.

78percent in terms of holidays, my 2 best friends have both offered to take in turns to house sit if im away visiting family or on holiday with my boyfriend. My boyfriend has offered to house sit if im away with those two friends. My older friends son (hes 19) has also offered to house sit for £20 and a takeaway!

I have made a list of people. However i only tend to go away maximum of 2-3 times a year.. And one of them is dog friendly. So really only twice a year for about 5 days each max. So 10 days in total per year and about 7/8 trustworthy and reliable dog people who would help x

Could you check in the local vets / local dog Facebook group for some names of dog walkers?
My dog walker comes twice a week on my longer working days and also is a dog boarder, or can do doggie day care if needed. It’s great having the flexibility and I can have a dog walk slotted in at quite short notice if my working hours need to change that week. It’s definitely worth having someone who can pop over when you’re stuck on the closed motorway for over 4 hours!

sleep what happened in the end? Did you get one of your own or continue to help? X