DH and I, both first-time dog owners, no close relatives or friends with dogs. I know we could give a dog a good life - exercise, someone at home in the day (i.e. me working but flexible hours and could do walks for hours etc.), quiet household, good vets, great woodland walks nearby, stimulation etc. We're talking an adult rescue dog, not buying a puppy. The question is: how do I know that I actually want a dog? I don't know what it's like to have a dog 24/7 and I know this is a very serious decision that will affect our lives for possibly 15 years to come and to always thinking about the dog when it comes to any lifestyle situation or holiday. I'm not bothered by them chewing or smelling or being messy. What I'm wondering about is more the fact that I like watching and inviting wildlife (birds, hedgehogs, nests) into the garden, which any dog will most likely naturally scare off/attack, and the fact that I already feel like my life is 'complete' with our current lifestyle just doing outdoorsy stuff like allotment and camping - although all of which a dog could slot into well. Ultimately, without actually having a dog until we actually get one, how do I actually know that we should definitely get one? I have a burning curiosity, rather than a burning, absolute certainty that getting a dog is the right thing for us to do. I realise this is a catch-22 and doesn't make much sense, so any advice welcome!