Hello! I haven't posted in the Doghouse before. Could I ask some advice?
We've been hoping to get a dog for some months now. I am a lone parent, and work full time but based at home, and odd hours including evenings. On a typical day I am in and out, but never out for more than a few hours. I have 2 dc, aged 9 and 11 who love all animals esp. dogs and cats. We also have 2 cats, ginger Toms who are delightfully cuddly but are also real hunters - we live on the edge of countryside and they catch mice and birds (yuk).
My local vets put me in touch with someone locally who is looking to rehome her adorable English cocker spaniel. She's had a terrible few years (bereavement, divorce, having to move to new area, depression, failing health). It's clear that she loves her dog but she is out of the house all day every day and has sought a new home for him because she feels that she's not giving him the life he needs. I went to see her the other day, stayed with her and the dog for an hour. She spent most of the hour in tears, talked as much about her bereavement and divorce as she did about the dog. It seems to me that it's been a very hard decision for her to make but now that she's made it, her mind is made up and she wants to get on with it.
The dog is a 4 y o English cocker spaniel, in good health - she has kept all the pet insurance papers, his Kennel Club papers etc, and he is registered at the vets' in my village. He is gorgeous. My dc would love him to bits.
So, what do I need to know / think about / buy? I've already thought through how this dog would affect our daily lives, walking, playing with him etc, and have no doubt that we could look after him well.
One big question: how do I manage the introduction of the dog and the cats? I am a bit concerned that the cats might see the dog as a threat to their territory.
We are going back to visit again on Tuesday and the lady has said that she would be happy for us to take him then. I'm still not allowing myself to get too excited in case it all falls through. But potentially, we could have a dog on Tuesday! :)