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Anyone here take the day off?
Some of us probably already had this happened
Additional Posts in Consulting
I still need to file my taxes 😭
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Cat
Think about the worst case for your puppy. Like let's say it's a travel week for you, and your husband is working 12 hour shifts. That's 12 hours he'll be completely alone. Even if this doesn't happen every single week, that's honestly not a great life for the puppy. They don't really do much while left completely alone at home. Please think this through carefully before committing.
How long are his shifts? 12 hours? If getting a puppy, they need to be let out every 2 hours and then can slowly increase the time but no more than 5 hours. You may need to look into a doggy day care the weeks you are gone or a dog walker, keep in mind those prices will add up.
If you can afford daycare or a dog walker that is your key to success.
If it's a puppy, you've got to be around at the beginning and your husband will res to be too to train it, supervise, etc. The dog is a four legged baby at that point. When it's older, it gets easier. 12 hours is a long time. My aunt had a small dog with a "pee rug" if she couldn't get home in time, but it was the exception, not the norm. Dogs are A LOT of work. I suggest either adopting an older, easy going dog and making sure you and your partner can for sure care for it and have dog walking or day care available or look into a more independent animal, like a cat. I love dogs and cats, and have grown up with cats my whole life. They can get a bad rap, but many are very sweet and my current cat acts like a dog. All they need is their litterbox cleaned once a day, food and water in their bowl, and some play and snuggles when you get home (along with maybe claw clipping, brushing, on occasion, etc.). Much easier for your lifestyle. If you do get a pet and bring it home, make sure you can fully commit. So many end up returned and back at a shelter :( Not saying you're like that, but I volunteer with animals and see it all the time. People have good intentions and then reality hits...
WFH project and a plan to leave consulting was my solution 😉
In addition to hiring the dog walker and trainer while it's a puppy, YOU need to get some remote weeks at the outset to bond with it.
And don't think it's easier because it's a small dogs. Untrained small dogs with behavioral problems are little shits. And that's on the owner
Don't do it - you don't have the right ingredients for success - agree with first post - get a cat
Thanks all. I have a cat currently but really want a dog as well. Would never get a dog unless someone could take it out every few hours (thus my dilemma). Wanted to see if anyone had this issue before and came to a good resolution. Seems like a walker is the only consideration. Appreciate all the suggestions!