I wonder if anyone could help us make a decision. We have always wanted a dog in the family, but have waited until we felt the children are old enough(now 10 and 12) and until I was able to reduce my working hours to part time. We are hoping to bring a puppy into our home after our family holiday in July, when we will have a spell of 5 weeks at home to settle the new arrival in. However, so many rescue organisations, breeders etc. stipulate that dogs will only go to a home where there is adult company all day that we are beginning to have second thoughts. We are a very active family, and feel that we could give a dog a good home, but would really welcome some advice from other owners.
The breed we are considering is a border collie - I know they need lots of attention and stimulation, and we are intending to take up agility/obedience training. Many thanks! Tracy

Don't be put off Tracy by the fact that you work part time. I work full time and have three dogs.
You have just got to make up for that time they spend alone, and by the sounds of it, if you are planning on doing agility, you're going to be doing just that.
Some rescues will rehome to people that work, for instance the NCDL.
I think it is such a shame when rescues don't rehome to people who work, because surely it is better for the dog to be in a loving home, than stuck in a kennel for 23 hours a day.
I don't know a huge amount about bc's as a breed, apart from they need alot of stimulation, you don't say whether you've had dogs before, if you haven't maybe the bc is not the best breed for you.
Anyway you sound to me as though you could give a dog a good loving home, with lots of love and attention.
And it sounds as though you've thought long and hard about this.
Keep looking the right dog for you will come along.

I work part time and have a GSD- they are similar to the BC- need lots of attention and stimulation but we always get on okay:) Go for it:)

Stacey x x x

Hi I don't think working part time will stop you from finding a good Border Collie breeder.After all a puppy costs money to keep and care for.They do need alot of mental stimulation but so long as that is given when your home the the times when you are out could be spent happily sleeping and playing with suitable toys such as a stuffed kong.Iwould give some consideration to limiting a puppies free accsess to your house to start with though by either confining him to his own safe cleanable area or by crate training.Hope this helps will gladly answer any questions I can if you need some more information.Best Wishes Gillian