DH and I have been desperate for a dog for years. He grew up with them so is fairly experienced. I have never had one but have had regular contact with his parents' and ones in my family. I am well used to clearing up after them as I volunteered at Dogs Trust for a while. We have researched the costs, thought through the lifestyle changes we'd have to make, and sorted out who will look after when we go on holiday (which has been booked for months).
We both work full time but only during term time. During the day we'll either pay a dog walker to come in or I will come home and do it. We have no kids, though we hopefully will in the future. The rescue place is happy with this and with our working hours. They seem to care a lot about the dogs and they are quite strict on meeting the dogs, home check of the owners, etc. We will take the dog to training classes.
There are two dogs we like the look of, both of whom were abandoned. One is a five year old Rottweiler bitch. She is good natured and lovely but can be a bit scared of other dogs so needs socialising. She is small for a rottie.
The other is an eight month old male medium size shortish haired crossbreed. Again lovely and good natured, can be left for up to four hours at a time according to kennels.
Obviously us working full time will be temporary and for most of the dogs' lives I'll be either off or have gone down to part time. Either dog we will love to bits and do our utmost to care for, and it will get lots of exercise! Would really appreciate any opinions anyone may have.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Which dog?
TeacakeTilly · 04/07/2012 11:30
both? 
any chance?... if the Rottie could be socialised with the other dog they could make wonderful soul mates and also may be much happier together when you are out at work.
But if it is to be only one of them, I too would choose the Rottweiler, purely and simply as there really arent too many people that would give her a chance because of her breed and age. 
I have a rescue Staffy crossed with a Border Terrier, looks a total thug, he's the kindest boy ever.
Thanks 
This dog was abandoned - left outside the rescue centre, so they don't know anything about it. They do quite detailed assessments over ten days or so and haven't found anything alarming - just needs a more experienced owner because she's so strong and needs some socialisation. DH had a difficult dog for a few years which his parents still have so he's used to dealing with them. The difficulty will just be convincing some people (ie my mum!) to still come over!
You will always find some people that are negative towards certain breeds, this mainly comes from ignorance. I get it with my Alf (staffy cross), it is a sad fact that follows Staffys, Rottweilers, German Shepherds etc etc.
I have never had such a warm, kind hearted dog as Alf, we have had dogs from childhood, all have been lovely but he takes the biscuit....quite literally!
Good luck with her, hope it's a happy ending and she gets you.
All they are doing is checking you out, they have to ensure that, for the benefit of the dogs sanity and well being, she will not end up back with them in a week / months / years time due to incompatability. Their process is absolutely correct and protects the dog which at the end of the day is what people like you and I want.
It just doesnt happen fast enough does it, we want them with us immediately so that we can love and spoil them and get them settled into their new home. Happy days ahead.
Whats her name?
Absolutely, and I wouldn't want it any other way. We want what's best for the dog and are glad they do it properly. We're both just impatient
If I say her name I am likely to identify myself so in the interests of internet anonymity I will call her TeacakeDog on here
ha ha ....teacakedog it is
I can see you getting some right old looks in the park shouting that 
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