It’s a common dilemma. You want a dog as a companion but fear that being out at work all day will be unfair on the dog and cause problems. Obviously, it’s best if you are around for your dog – they need companionship and some will suffer severe separation anxiety if they are left for more than a couple of hours. But there are some other solutions to explore.
For example, I have a team of fabulous dog walkers who – for a set amount each week – will turn up and take Alfie out for a long walk each day. If they know I will be out longer than usual, they will also take him to their home for a while where he enjoys the added benefit of extra socialising with his pals from the walks. Many pet supply shops and dog groomers operate dog crèches or doggy day care for regular or occasional use. And some vets offer their trained staff as dog sitters.
Take a look, for example at http://www.petsincity.com/ (W10), http://www.westminsterwalkies.co.uk/ (SW1), http://www.preciouspooch.co.uk/dog_walking.php and http://www.riversidedogs.co.uk/ (TW). And check out UK National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP) - . http://www.narpsuk.co.uk/?gclid=COHvmbmAjLkCFU_MtAodBSoA3g Other friends have taken the opportunity to get a bit closer to their neighbours and worked out an informal “dog sharing” system where more than one household has the benefits of dog ownership and the responsibility is shared a little. But it can be tricky with schedules so be really sure you have the ongoing support before you embark on this course of action.
Some people are lucky enough to have employers or a type of work that enables them to take their dog to work or where their work enables them to spend significant time at home or with their dog. Several tradesmen I know bring their dogs to work (with the customer’s permission). I also know a number of lawyers and media folk who are allowed to take their dogs into work – although I question the wisdom of dogs on rush hour public transport systems. But you must check carefully as even if your employer is happy, some leases don’t allow animals on the premises and there may be allergy and access to outside exercise areas issues.
An alternative is temporary dog ownership. Many animal charities are keen to have people who can offer temporary foster homes to dogs in between families. See, for instance, information about Battersea Dog and Cat Home http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/blogs/showblog.php?post=2778
There’s also a couple of new initiatives from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - http://blog.hearingdogs.org.uk/2013/08/want-a-dog-but-work/. They operate a bed and breakfast scheme for their dogs who are in training. Their main centre is in Yorkshire but some Londoners may be able to support their centre in Buckinghamshire (Saunderton, near Princes Risborough).
These folk are also running a campaign in September (Dogtember!) to encourage shops and other outlets to allow access for service dogs http://blog.hearingdogs.org.uk/who-lets-the-dogs-in/ - companies can pledge support and there are numerous fund raising activities to get involved with.
