If I can do it, anyone can do it.

I did get my dog during grad school so I had a more flexible schedule to adjust her with. I would recommend an older dog over a puppy for someone who is working full time.

It is a little bit expensive and a good amount of work- my friends without dogs are completely aghast that I have to wake up 20 minutes earlier in the morning to walk her, and have to go home before going to an event after work. I spend about 60-90 min per day walking her (more on weekends) but it is good exercise and socialization for me as well. It will be much easier if you have a yard. I pay $13/day for a dog walker and $35/night for dog sitter when I go out of town and friends or family can't taker her- which is about 1 weekend per month.

My dog is my best friend and the most important thing in my life, she is annoying sometimes but I wouldn't trade her for anything. If you have kids I think it is especially great, I begged my mom for years for a dog and the one we finally got is one of the most loved things of my whole life. Get the kids involved in walking, feeding, etc. A dog is an essential part of a family IMO

Anonymous wrote:We were exactly your position except kids 8, 9 and 11. Two cats, 2 FT jobs with travel. While I was stalking rescue sites I filtered for "good with cats" and "good with children." I also opted for adult dogs as a young dog would be far more work and likely agitate the cats. I knew I found the perfect "new to us" dog when the description said he ignored cats" (which is mostly true; only when they chase one another and hiss at each other does he try to intervene and get them to stop - just as he does with the kids!). Listing said he was 2-1/2 yo but vet at both rescue organization and our personal vet put the age closer to 5yo bass on condition of teeth. And guess who has ended up being the biggest advocate of the dog? The reluctant husband.

We were dating yesterday that in our marriage we tend to make decisions first and then figure out the details first (buy house, second/third child, renovate house, private schools...adopt dog). I told my DH last night that our DD(that is Dear Dog) came from a high-kill rural shelter and would have been euthanized and he was horrified to hear this perfect companion had actually had his days numbered).

The perfect dog IS out there for your family and cats!

"Saying" yesterday (though dating would have been good, too, provided it is with each other!)

We were exactly your position except kids 8, 9 and 11. Two cats, 2 FT jobs with travel. While I was stalking rescue sites I filtered for "good with cats" and "good with children." I also opted for adult dogs as a young dog would be far more work and likely agitate the cats. I knew I found the perfect "new to us" dog when the description said he ignored cats" (which is mostly true; only when they chase one another and hiss at each other does he try to intervene and get them to stop - just as he does with the kids!). Listing said he was 2-1/2 yo but vet at both rescue organization and our personal vet put the age closer to 5yo bass on condition of teeth. And guess who has ended up being the biggest advocate of the dog? The reluctant husband.

We were dating yesterday that in our marriage we tend to make decisions first and then figure out the details first (buy house, second/third child, renovate house, private schools...adopt dog). I told my DH last night that our DD(that is Dear Dog) came from a high-kill rural shelter and would have been euthanized and he was horrified to hear this perfect companion had actually had his days numbered).

The perfect dog IS out there for your family and cats!