We've been given to opportunity to take on a 4yr old castrated boy Golden, through someone DH knows from work (she and her husband have split, her ex was a shift worker so was at home much of the day, however the dog is now home alone all day so owner doesn't think it's fair on him). She approached DH about the dog as he'd already chatted to her about Goldens, we were looking into getting a Golden puppy but a couple of breeders advised us to wait due to the young ages of our dc (5yr, 3yr and 17m).
After being advised against a pup, I started looking into getting a cat instead and we're now on the waiting list with a lovely breeder for a Ragdoll kitten. We're due to go and view her litter just before Christmas to pick one, and will get it early Feb.
I was keen to get a dog as our dc are a bit wary of dogs and I'd like them to have a pet to get used to dogs at a young age. The kitten was a compromise tbh, as I realised that a puppy would possibly put them off dogs even more if it nipped and jumped up etc. This 4yr old G Retriever is very placid and used to children.
I know deep down that I would much prefer to have the dog (although I do think Ragdolls are gorgeous), and DH is quite explicit about it (he's definitely not a cat person). I suppose I'm just looking for a bit of reassurance from others who've taken in older dogs with (wary) young children that everything has worked out ok.
(N.B. I'm a SAHM with the 17m old, so would be with the dog at lot and the walking wouldn't be a problem, the 5yr old is at school and 3yr old at nursery 9-1pm daily.)
Thanks if you've waded through this .