Would this work??

[321Go]

Hi

I've posted a few times asking for suggestions about dog types and rescue centres. We've had a two canine friends to stay for 2 weeks over the summer and can see how brilliant it would be to have our own. I spend a silly amount of time perusing the rescue sites and now just need to get my head around weekday logistics.

If I give you an idea of our week work schedule, can you let me know what you think?

Work day 1 - out of house from 10-2.45 (2 x school run walks via local woods)

Work day 2 - out of house from 10 - 4.00 (dog-loving cleaner here until 12ish, school run walk a.m. other walk p.m)

Work day 3 - out of house from 10 - 4.00, (school run walk a.m.other walk p.m, DS could be home at 3.15pm)

Work day 4 - out of house from 10 - 5.00 (school run walk a.m. other walk p.m, DS could be home at 3.15pm)

Morning walk would be across fields, lots of dog-walkers about with dogs playing.

5th day - no work - 2 x school run walks + long walk during day + company all day

Non-work time would provide lots of company with me and 3 very involved kids.

Work is term-time only, grandparents visit regularly so the above is a worst-case week.

Is it possible for the above to work? I would consider a dogwalker too on the longer days.

And finally...........just seen a local place has beautiful cocker cross puppies - that's not going to work is it....................(they are gorgeous!)

Thanks so much!

It could IF the cleaner will let the dog out/walk it ( maybe pay extra)
You will also need a dog walker or doggy day care on the days where no one is home until after 3.
Also, you will need several weeks where someone is home most f the time to settle a puppy - will that be possible?

Yes, the cleaner would let the dog out and I would ask if she would consider doing another hour for a walk too (door to big garden can be open all morning too).

I only work 5 mins away, so could come home for lunch also.

If I could find a suitable dog close to a school holiday then yes, people around all day to start with.

Dog walker too.

THank you!

I think it's workable. Am I reading it correctly that two days the dog will be left entirely for 5 and a quarter hours, and one day for 4 and three quarter hours? I think that rules out a puppy, but could work for older dogs.

I think it would be fine and lots of people realistically do this. But you might need to try a few rescues - don't get disheartened if some turn you down. I too think no to a puppy. You would come home to half your house destroyed, pee and poo everywhere and have a manic poorly socialised puppy into the bargain. Puppies really need someone with them, at least at the beginning.

Thank you! Puppy out of the question then (quite like my house the way it is!) I think I should probably start phoning some rescues then and see what they think.
Bowlersarm - yes, that's right for timings with the possibility of popping in at lunchtime for 30mins.