Want to rehome friend's dog but nervous

[Ohforfoxsake]

we have the opportunity to rehome a friends 4th cocker Spaniel. He's lovely, we have his full history - she's had him since a pup - we're all on-board. I have 4 children, youngest is just about to turn 4. I am a SAHM.
I am worried about money - we can't really afford it at the moment and the insurance is about £50 a month but we won't get this opportunity again. He does require some extra care as has a pre-existing skin condition but with careful management and a good diet it doesn't have to be much of an issue.
He is very good with children.
I have been agonising over it and need to make a decision. There have been tears.
My heart says yes but my head says we can't really afford it at the moment.
What should I do?

Dooin - £1200 for allergy testing? Bloody hell.

Yup - that's what the vet quoted last year. Luckily we are insured, so for us it's the £70 excess. It would include the tests plus a consultation with a dermatological specialist. That's only at one vet. Prices vary dramatically around here, but I like Devil Dog to stick with the same vet because he knows his history. If the cat or Whippy get sick I ring around for prices as they have no on going issues.

Like Dooin I have a dog with an allergic skin condition. We got the diagnostics done whilst within the one year insurance cover (house dust and house dust mite) and tried various treatments during that time. Apart from a decent quality diet (Skinner's duck and rice which is one of the cheapest foods around anyway) the main treatment is low dose steroids, half a tab every other day in spring summer and autumn, less in winter. Steroids are very cheap drugs.

The Tescos insurance does not cover his skin any longer but did pay for the early diagnostics etc and does cover everything else and they have been easy to deal with and quick to pay up.

I have said yes - I am very happy!

Thank you everyone for all your help and advice.

As of next month, may I join you in the doghouse please?

Great

I can't wait to hear all your stories!

So, Rocky moved in a couple of days ago. He's lovely and fits in perfectly.

He's a bit pukey tonight - is that ok?