Dogs and working

rev229

Had our dog PTS a couple of months ago and thought that we would not have another!! However we miss the dog and are now window shopping for a rescue dog. But our last dog was happy to be home alone while I worked. Was left 8am to 5pm. She had a long walk in the morning before I left and againe in the evening when DH came home. We did not have a dog walker etc as our dog did not like strangers and had to be muzzled while out and about etc. She was a rescue dog and had some 'issues'. I only work 1 day a week, DH is a teacher so if we had a new dog it would only be left this one day term time only. We are happy to have a dog walker come in and walk a new addition or even consider doggy day care. Are we mad thinking this might work or a rescue would consider us?

ljonski

im not a dog owner myself but you sound like ideal dog owners!

moggymutt

Cant see why it wouldn't work. If a rescue turns you down then there's plenty of 'free to good home' dogs in local free ads, that are often on waiting lists for rescues (which sadly are very often full). It can be a lot kinder for a dog to go straight to a new home than have to go into a rescue (not knocking rescues, its just that I run a cat rescue and no matter how hard I try, lots of cats dislike being in pens and are desperate to be back in a home).

Good luck, sounds like you would give an unwanted dog an excellent home.

marlot

We do something similar. We have a rescued GSD.

I normally work from home, but can sometimes be called into the office or visit a customer. We have a dog walker who comes in 4 days a week. Although I could just have him in on the days I'm away, its easier to have him on a regular schedule. The other advantage is that our dog is out with a 'pack' that she loves, and has become extremely well socialised - taking puppies in her stride.

We had the same arrangement for our previous rescued GSD. On days when I'm away I'll either walk the dog or play with her in the garden before leaving. And of course a walk in the evening. As our GSD is now getting older, she prefers less exercise - so we're starting to cut back a little.

Some rescues don't approve; others take a balanced view. It also depends upon the nature and age of the dog - we deliberately looked for a dog who would fit our lifestyle.

getthemax

Have you considered rescuing an older dog?

We've always had young rescued Border Collies, but last week we rescued an older one, about 12 years old and he's the biggest sweetie in the world.

Neither of us work so leaving him alone as you are proposing is not an issue, but he doesn't need much exercise and is so laid back he's virtually horizontal and happy to sleep for hours.

Older dogs tend to be ignored in rescues, but we're finding having him so rewarding. We're aware of possible health issues with older dogs, and I lost my previous one in May after about 9 months of slowly getting more and more poorly until we decided it was his time, but I couldn't bear to think of this old boy we've just adopted suffering in his old age in the rescue with no-one to love him.

And our young BC girl is besotted with him!

gettingready

re rescues - last Sunday I went for a walk with Zara and on the way my friend picked up a dog who is under GS Rescue but in kennels as they do not have enough foster homes. Zak was so happy to go for a walk with us...

Taking him back I noticed another GS, again a dog waiting for home but under a different rescue....

Stella was just being taken out for a walk and she was so happy with cuddles from me and my friend..

Stella is almost completely blind but what a beauty - and she is fine with cats...

Just wish I had the space...

http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=73306

krlyr

I managed to adopt from rescue while working fulltime. Some will have blanket policies and rule you out completely but many are happy to judge on an individual basis and see that you have plans to come home at lunchtime, have a neighbour/friend/relative pop in or employ a dogwalker and will be more than happy with this kind of arrangement. Don't feel disheartened if some rescues turn you down, it's not personal but many have been stung and put certain policies in place as a set guideline rather than a flexible rule.

catkins

What about a greyhound? I know quite a few people with them and they need very little exercise and then sleep most of the day. The ones I know have about two 20 minute walks and they are quite happy with that

Fire_Fox

Depends on the dog and on the rescue, generally try a breed specific rescue or a smaller independent one. If you have identified dog walkers and 'day care' ahead of time that will make you sound more like you are serious about that.

Person_one

Only one day a week and you're at home the other six?

I can't imagine how that would be a problem, that's better than probably 70% of the dogs in this country have.

rev229

Thanks for the replies! will be home for 6 days a week but still feel bad leaving a dog! We had our other dog for 4 years and I was at home full time for 3 of those. Husband has 13 weeks holiday and I have 8 not usually together so nearly half a year off between us. we would like a dog who like to come with us wherever in the cars. House and cars dog proof. I wouldn't mind a greyhound but husband feels they are a bit unattractive!! I thing they are fine. We have contacted a rescue about a 2yr old labrador so will wait and see. We are not in any rush. Well we said we would never have another and 9 weeks on we are window shopping!!!