Dog or cat no2?

[loveverona]

To all experienced mumsnetters....

We have 2 DCs - 8, 5 and 2 - and a year ago rescued a 5 yr old cat (so now 6!). Love him, the most chilled out cat ever. Loves sitting on my knee at any opportunity and the kids adore him. But...I grew up with dogs (Boxers) and that's where my heart is if I'm honest.

We got a cat because wanted a pet but not so much commitment. But of course I still find myself wanting a dog. I'm at home everyday (work from home), live in a village with easy access to walks and have a reasonable, but not large, garden.

Concerns me slightly that they can't be left for more than a few hours, although most of the time we don't go out for a full day. I wouldn't want a Boxer-sized dog but something smaller (King Charles type). How would the cat react? Also DH "isn't really a pet person", but has warmed to the cat and enjoys him sitting on his knee. Realistically it would be me walking the dog most of the time, which I wouldn't mind at all. But is it wrong to get a dog when DH perhaps isn't so enthusiastic? Or should we just get another cat? Or nothing at all?!

As you can see I very confused!! All advice welcome.

Ah, she sounds lovely! King Charles are my fave, but I'm not dead-set on that - more important to get the right dog I think.

You are quite right - only I/we can make the decision. I know that dogs are more commitment/work, but I also know how much joy they can bring to a family and how much fun they can be.

Needs a bit more thought I think. Thanks though for your thoughts and advice. And have fun with your little bundle!

Sounds great. One question, what do you do if you go out for the day, I mean the whole day? We sometimes go for a day out to London and I can't imagine leaving a dog for that length of time. I remember we only used to leave our Boxers for 4-5 hours at the most. That said, you may not have done this yet if she's still very young...

Ah, that's a thought. I'd forgotten about dog sitters and I know there are a couple in our village. Thanks very much shineon for your really helpful advice.

Any other takers out there...??