Ok

Having spent months talking about geting a Dog, and a few weeks going over this board, the final decision has been made.

For the time being we are NOT going down the dog route, dispite our real desire to have one, we are both seriously worried about the days that I work, I know I could employ a dog walker, but i am not sure that would be the same as being around, what if they dont turn up, what if, and thier is the problem too many What if's, what if I get stuck at work, what if!.

I know that on the 4/5 days I am at home, me and my dog could have such fun, and he/she would have my undivided attention, but you can not just keep a dog for your days off! imho.

SO thank you all for your help and advice, no doggy here,however I am still going to help out with those agility classes, and might  take up a bit of Dog walking myself!.

Finally

Even though I am Dogless can I stay on the boards, and Admin can I change my name to "Dogless "??:rolleyes:

It's refreshing to come across a person who's prepared to put a dog's longterm needs ahead of their own desires. :) You'll make a brilliant dog-owner when the time is right. Congratulations for being unselfish, and please stay around - you're welcome! :)

RHank

I feel quite "saintly"!!!!!!

Reading the forums on these boards, made us think really hard, probably made my husband think harder than me.  When you read about the problems people have with thier dogs and some of them are home ALL the time,  I am hoping to reduce my hours next year, 2 shorter days and i think then it will be fine, ie i may work 3 days a week but for 5 hours per day. If you work 9-5 then you must be away at least 8-6 because of travelling, thats sems a long time fora dog to go with just a walk, In know my cat gets fed up, he's 18 and bone idle, but he misses the company! A dog i am sure, would be very distressed, and OH and he's right, and I dont say that very often:rolleyes:, says that we could do it, but we would be making training ectect harde for the dog and us.  So I am goig to live through your dogs at the moment.

Tan

Hiya,

It's really nice to hear someone putting so much thought into what a dog will need, and as Jeangenie said, being completely unselfish about it - you'll make a great dog owner.  If you want to get your fill of doggies in the meantime you could always consider helping out at a rescue centre, if you have one near you - they always appreciate help, and you never know when the time is right you may end up falling in love with your future dog there :-)

Karen

Good on you!  Far better to wait until you have what you feel confident is a workable set-up and then when you do eventually take the plunge you'll be able to enjoy dog ownership rather than worrying about all the "what if's" :)

enough of them naturally anyway :rolleyes:

regards, Teri :)

Volunteering as a dog walker for your local dogs home is a very worthwhile thign to do. TYou never know you might even find the perfect dog that would suit your present lifestyle.

CONGRATS on a very brave and well thought out dessision Schnauzerseeker, it has taken us nearly 3 years to be able to have our little one. Believe me when i say, i know just how you must be feeling. I am in total agreement with Jeangenie, karenclynes, Teri and  Brainless, it is great to hear someone putting the welfare of the animal first. Yourself and OH should indeed be sainted. Your time will come and you will know when that time is.

Big ((Hugs)) you have beaten temptation which others just can not do, they want it, they get it!!!

Thanks for putting a dog first. :-)

You get The Big Thumbs Up Award from me!!!

When you do get to be a dog owner, you will be the best.