Well, I have a Golden Retriver. His name is Rusty! Him and I are like two peas in a pod. When you get a conpanion, you have to look at it like taking one of your friends in, not as a job. The way you list the chores makes it sound like you are taking on a second job. If you look at it that way, of course you are going to think it is a PITA to take care of. But if you go into it as, "I'm getting a new friend!" Then you can incorporate your new friend into your life. I'm not saying it is easy, but it becomes second nature in a few weeks.

So to give you an example, here is my daily routine.

5am: Wake up, brush teeth, wash face. Rusty is waiting for me by my door, we walk down stairs and I let him out. I get a cup of coffee, go out on the deck and watch him run around the yard. He gets in, I give him a treat, I go to the living room, I lay on the couch and turn on the news. Rusty goes back to his bed and lays beside me.

6am: Take my shower, do my routine and get dressed for work. I go back downstairs and feed Rusty breakfast while I make my own. After I eat, watch some more news, drink another cup of coffee and have a smoke.

6:45am: I let Rusty out one more time and I am out the door for work.

2pm: I have a sitter come to my home and let Rusty out again. She only stays for about 30 mins to let him out, refresh his water and she is out the door.

6pm or 7pm: I am home and I let Rusty out again. I start making dinner for me and my girlfriend. At around 7 7:30, I feed Rusty and we both eat at the same time.

8pm: He goes back outside and we toss the ball for 30 mins to an hour. He comes back in and we all chill in the living room.

10pm: Let him out for the last time, get him on his bed, give him 3 treats and I go up to bed.

SO if I had to put a time on it. I spend 30 mins total of my time with Rusty (Caretaking wise) This is also a weekday schedule. Weekends are pretty much the same except he is out alot more playing and stuff. Over the weekend, I say I spend about 4 hours with him, i.e taking him for walks, playing in the backyard, him watching me mow the lawn.

So the best advise I can give you, think of it as a new friend and not just an god or animal. In my mind atleast, when I have discussions with people about pets, I always calls Rusty my friend because he is. Now I'm not saying Rusty goes with my everywhere, or sleeps in bed with us, or I feed him at the table. Rusty has his own space and his place. Just to me, an animal or a dog or just a cat, or whatever means its wild or no one cares for them. A friend is someone who is there for you, makes you happy, doesn't matter how mad you get at them, both of you always know you guys are there for each other.

__________________

2011 E70 50i M Sport