hello i am a single mum with two boys aged 4 and 6. We are away from the house between 8.30 and 3.30 but i have a garage that opens onto a big garden. I want a dog for companionship and so the boys can learn to respect animals. My vet recommended a labrador. I am not sure whether to buy a puppy or a rescue lab.

I live in a nice sized house in country and i have a reasonable income therefore vets bills etc won't be a prob.

My home no is 01534 858602 and my e mail is daisywhitley@hotmail.com

If you have a Labrador puppy and leave it for 7 hours a day do not expect to find your house still standing when you return! They are demolition experts! You will also never house train it if you are not present. In my opinion 7 hours is too long to leave even an adult.

Sorry but that is my feelings.

John

This lady emailed me privately and I said the same as you John.
Her vet had told her a lab would be the ideal pet for her.
I have had an email tonight and she has said that she is glad she asked as she has decided it would not be fair on the dog.

Whilst you may need companionship, what about the dog? It is unkind to leave a dog for that length of time, apart from the fact that it could easily be stolen if left for so long with access to the garden. We would never home a dog to anyone who is away from home more than three hours per day.

I wouldn't have a dog at all if I were away for 7 hours a day but if you are intent on having a dog what about a rescue greyhound.They make wonderful pets.
Archer

hi
i wouldnt have a labrador if i were you. ive got an 11 week old lab and im home with her all day but shes still managed to strip the paper off the walls :). you really do need eyes in the back of your head and if your away for 7 hours a day how are you going to manage with the feeding if you get a young puppy it will need feeding four times a day to start with and it really isnt fair to leave a puppy or a dog on its own for that long