Advice needed about getting a dog

[KateF]

I have never been a dog owner but dd2 (10) is dog crazy and I think it would be really beneficial for her to have a dog. However, I work part-time so am out all day 2 days a week and we also have two elderly cats. Could this possibly work? Are there any breeds that are happy to be at home alone for 8 hours? Do all breeds hate cats? I have told dd2 that it's not just about her wanting a dog, it's about whether a dog could be happy with us - she said "ask Mumsnet"

The longest we leave our 6 month old puppy is three to three and a half hours. He has never had an accident as he just sleeps, he has the run of most of the house and no damage ever. I would not contemplate leaving him longer.

Kate, this sounds lovely. Can I just say that if your DD enjoys taking a dog into things like charity shows she will soon be inundated with offers? One of our nephews has formed a very close bond with one of our greyhounds and has taken him into quite a few local charity dog shows - like your DD, DN is now immensely chuffed with his little collection of rosettes. An interesting spin off though has been he's had loads of offers of taking various fosters/rescue dogs into classes too - the last show we went to, he could have been in every class if he'd wanted to. I also think the experience of doing a few of these small shows is very good for children - lots of social skills needed. As a proud aunty though I have thoroughly embarrassed DN on several occasions when slightly moist of eye (very dusty, these dog shows ) or insisting on loads of pics. Next date is a Christmas event involving fancy dress for both boy and hound.

I hope this is the start of a lovely obsession and lots of fun for your DD.

Well, we went and spent over an hour walking a lovely Staffie gentleman and dd2 is in love . Dog has come back to the rescue for a second time after being found wandering by the Dog Warden. First time owners collected him, this time they know he has been at the rescue for 3 weeks but they havn't picked him up . He has lived with young children and was absolutely lovely with mine, sat on dds lap and rolled over for a tummy rub. Only thing is he's 13 and I worry that if he comes to us we wouldn't have him for many more years. Anyway, we're going to see him again tomorrow and have a long think about it while they cat-test him. I never would have thought I would fall for a Staffie but he is lovely!

Kate, you could look at the dog's age as a positive thing. Firstly, you are giving an older dog a chance at a happy retirement and, to be blunt, dying in a home rather than a kennel, where he will be much loved and taken care of right to the end. Secondly this is not as long a commitment for you and your family as a much younger dog would be. In three to four years time (what you could have with this dog ) your circumstances may have changed again. Thirdly, what a wonderful learning experience for your children and even when the end does come, there are lots of opportunities for you and your DC to reflect on the ageing process, how death is not always a bad thing if a life has been well lived, and the importance of a good death with good vet care, and being surrounded by the people who love and care for the pet. Sorry if this sounds a bit too blunt, but I guess that's what you are thinking about? I'd also say that a family who take in a rejected, elderly dog are actually making a hugely important value statement about what's important - that it's not all about pedigree papers, or a cute pup, but about valuing a creature, taking responsibility and seeing beyond a label - it's also about valuing the time we have with a pet no matter how long that time may be. All of these (to me anyway) would be priceless and wonderful lessons to share with children. [hsmile]