The prosecution: Janette
The poor dog will spend five days a week living with the sitter. So what’s the point of having one?
I don’t think my best friend, Pádraig, should get a dog because he works too much. I have a dog myself and know how much it entails. He’s a corporate lawyer who works all the hours God sends, and I just don’t think he will be able to give the dog the life it deserves.
Pádraig is very diligent and hardworking – work is his life. He’s had several high-powered jobs and I’ve seen him get quite stressed. Sometimes, when he’s got a lot on, he can work until 3am for weeks on end. I don’t think he has the time or space for a dog. He wants a puppy but I just think: you can’t handle it.
When I got my puppy I was working from home during lockdown with my partner. We were at home all the time so it was easy to train our little pug. With Pádraig, I feel the opposite will happen. He’ll be dropping the dog off at a dog-sitter five days a week while he goes to work. What is the point in that? The dog won’t even know him.
I think it’s cruel because the dog will probably prefer its life with the dog-sitter, as that’s where it will be spending most of its time. Pádraig will be traumatising a young dog by dragging it between two homes in its formative years. I also flagged how expensive this dog-sitter will be, but Pádraig said he has so much money that doesn’t actually matter.
He also wants a big dog that he can take out when he goes for runs, so he’s after a Hungarian vizsla. I don’t have a problem with people choosing dogs that suit their lifestyle, but Pádraig hasn’t found a suitable breeder and says he will just buy a puppy off someone online when he sees a good price. I think this is irresponsible as a lot of these online breeders don’t always wean the dogs from their mother properly.
Pádraig isn’t really taking any of my concerns seriously. He says he will make the dog fit around his lifestyle and that I should stop worrying so much. I just don’t want him to make a mistake, and don’t want to see his poor puppy neglected and confused.
The defence: Pádraig
I will make changes to the way I work – I’ve wanted a dog my whole life
It’s unfair to say I haven’t made plans to accommodate a dog in my life. Even though I work long hours, I will make changes to my lifestyle.
I will work from home more to make sure the puppy gets used to me and is well trained. I will also arrange day care for a few days a week. Contrary to what Janette says, day care will help my puppy become well socialised, as there will be other dogs there.
I have also spoken with lawyer friends at work and they say dog ownership is completely achievable: if you want a dog and you are willing to show enough love, you will make it work. I have lots of friends who are prepared to help out and look after the dog while I’m away, too.
The breed that I’m choosing, the vizsla, is a very active dog and I’ll take it out with me wherever I go. Janette doesn’t do this with her dog – she’s left it at home for hours, so she can’t really talk. Running is my main hobby so a vizsla is the perfect fit. When it’s 18 months old or so, you can take them on pretty long runs and they can keep up, so that will be fun.
I have wanted a dog my whole life but it has just never seemed like the right time. I used to think, “I’ll do it when I quit my job.” But even though my work has been stressful at times, I won’t be quitting anytime soon, because the money is too good.
The dog will be slotting into my life as it is, but I am going to be more accommodating.
Janette is well-meaning, but she has also left her dog with friends – a year or so after getting it, she went off travelling for months. I think that’s worse than me getting my dog accustomed to a life of moving between me and a dog sitter from the get-go. I won’t be going off for weeks at a time because of my work.
I pointed out that this would make me a more responsible dog owner than she is, but Janette disagreed. It’s like the battle of the dog lovers. But I do think I’ll make an excellent owner. And if anything goes wrong, I will just pay someone to fix it – I’m rich, after all. (Just joking – but not really.)
The jury of Guardian readers
Should Pádraig call off the dog?
Pádraig seems to think dog ownership can be outsourced at his convenience. He says the dog will go everywhere with him, but that’s only feasible with a well-trained dog. Training is a relentless task and he hasn’t got the time – and no amount of money can fix a sad dog.
Rachel, 34
A puppy will require near constant attention while awake – the first six months are exhausting as they need consistent training and company. A dog shouldn’t just slot into your life – you must be willing to change your routine to ensure your dog is happy and healthy. A highly active dog coupled with a workaholic owner who thinks that two days of doggy day care is enough, is a recipe for disaster.
Alice, 27
Pádraig has considered how a dog will work with his life and is willing to organise extra care to make sure it’s happy and socialised. Sending a dog to day care is not cruel or neglectful as Janette suggests, it’s responsible dog ownership – unlike her leaving her dog with friends for months.
Aphra, 25
Pádraig sounds willing to make changes to his life. But he still seems focused more on what a dog can provide for him rather than what he can provide for the dog.
Daniel, 32
It seems like Pádraig is looking for a reason to drop the focus on work so much, and this dog could be it. I agree it’s wrong to leave a dog on its own for hours at a time, so if he has the money for a dogsitter then he should use one.
James, 30
Now you be the judge
In our online poll, tell us: should Pádraig call off the dog?
The poll closes at 10am GMT on Thursday 14 March
Last week’s result
We asked whether Lily should stop taking cuttings of plants in the park.
65% of you said Lily is guilty – she needs to nip this behaviour in the bud
35% of you said Lily is not guilty – there’s no need for an argument to take root
