Shimmy21
Have you thought about getting an older dog from a rescue centre? A friend of ours works for the RSPCA and I think they have a scheme where if you take on an older dog (not sure how old, though, possibly over 6 or 7) they will contribute to any vet's fees etc. I am thinking of doing this after the summer. We had two dogs until November, when we sadly had to have the elder one put down. He was at least 16 (possibly older - he came from a rescue home too). Now we've got a huge problem with the other one (who is now an old lady herself at c.11 years old, but doesn't exactly act her age) because she has never been on her own before. She has started howling in distress when we are out at work, and also peeing in the house (yuk... she hadn't done this before). It all came to a head last week, when our neighbours put their house on the market. They pointed out (perfectly fairly - I felt awful for them) that they were unlikely to sell the house with a howling dog going loopy next door... so for now we've had to arrange for the dog to go and stay with my parents (who don't go out much and live in a detached house!). We've arranged to take the dog on holiday to France with us this summer, but couldn't get the vaccinations done in time to take another dog if we got one, so we're putting off getting another till after our hols, but then we will definitely be getting another. I am quite keen on a retired greyhound, so interesting to read about that, Satine. We've never had problems with the dogs till now. Kennels are fine. Alternatively, it's now possible to take dogs abroad with you (though they don't exactly make it easy). Will update on how it was in France when we get back.
Another thing I'd definitely recommend is getting whatever dog you do get used to an indoor kennel (like a sort of collapsible cage thing). We have found it invaluable, especially since having the kids. It gives the dog somewhere safe to be when you have gangs of kids rampaging about the place (birthday parties, etc.) and is good if you have other kids round who are scared of dogs. Some people have asked if it's cruel, but it definitely isn't. You get the dog used to it slowly, by feeding it in there or whatever, so they think it's a nice place to be. Ours just think of it as 'their place'. We use it in the car too, as we have an MPV, so it gives them their space away from our luggage.
I never had pets, growing up. The first thing I did when I got married was go and get a dog, and I am really missing my dog now that she's had to go to my parents'. She came from Battersea, and had been a stray. She was quite hard work to take out at the beginning, as she'd never been on a lead or anything and just used to leg it if you let her off. But - after a particularly disastrous first night, when my snooty SIL was staying and the dog ran into her room when she wasn't looking and wee-ed on her duvet - she was house-trained in no time. And many dogs in rescue centres haven't been strays - they may be someone's much loved dog that has had to be rehomed due to illness, allergy, change of circumstances, etc. The one who died was a rescue dog too, and was angelic from day 1!
Right... this is way too long, sorry. Good luck! I say go for it.
(Oh, and if you can change a nappy you can pick up a dog poo. Much better than leaving it behind for your own kids or someone else's to step in)