[IceCreamKid]

Now that it is getting dark out so early and it is spooky when I come home in the dark I want a nice doggy to come home to. I love my cats but they hide behind me whenever we hear anything scary.

Be careful. Sometimes cats and dogs don't mix. Greyhounds don't like cats but some get on well.

[Fresia]

All the dogs I have started out with as puppies have never had issues with the cats, but they have had to learn what is appropriate behavior with each other. Some of the older ones that I have gotten have taken more training, and there has been a couple that were definitely not a good fit. If you are up for adopting or getting a younger dog, you will have better success training it to get along with the cats. But with that comes training for everything depending on how young you go.

If you work with a shelter, some of the histories will include if the critter gets along well with other animals no matter what age it is and can be helpful in choosing; some do not have a history and would have to wary of this. The same can be said for a breeder that has raised them that they should be able to tell you the dog's history with other animals and is just a matter of asking. Also with a good breeder, if it does not work out, a possibility of returning the dog to them.

No matter what you decide, I hope you find what you are looking for. Lots to consider in choosing a dog. However, I too see your point about having a welcoming home party and it not being the cats. Good luck!

[alwaysrejoice]

My cat smacks my bulldog in the face all the time (he is declawed) The dog just stands there and stares at him while he is doing it.

[whenwillitend]

We have three dogs and two cats, and they get along just fine. I have never had any problems with dogs and cats getting along. But it really depends on the dog and the cat. Like it was mentioned before, if you adopt, you'll most likely know if the dog is good with cats. Many are.

Good luck! It's so nice to have a welcome home party every time you walk through the door.

[LyingSweetie]

I want my dog here... She was a scaredy-cat too (pardon the pun) would hide under my legs, shake, bark, yeep when she was scared... although that made me cry, she made me feel so strong haha being able to protect somebody. She was the only one I loved, because she would never judge me or lie to me... and now she's a gazillion miles away. -cry-

[choocha]

Hi. Get a whippet. They are the best dogs EVER. I'm biased obviously. I have 2 & they're my world, & they get on well with my cats, rabbits, guinea pigs & budgie. The only bad thing about them is they're near impossible to let walk off the lead. They have no road sense & just take off. In summary, whippets make wicked-good companions to you & your other pets. Oh yeah, & they don't eat much - economical! Good luck.

[DenisDonnacha]

Originally Posted by choocha

Hi. Get a whippet. They are the best dogs EVER. I'm biased obviously. I have 2 & they're my world, & they get on well with my cats, rabbits, guinea pigs & budgie. The only bad thing about them is they're near impossible to let walk off the lead. They have no road sense & just take off. In summary, whippets make wicked-good companions to you & your other pets. Oh yeah, & they don't eat much - economical! Good luck.

I love whippets, they're such a great dog, very playful and affectionate.

[Vibe]

You might want to take into account that you would have to walk the dog. If you get home and it's dark, you'd be stuck walking him in the dark. Might not be the most fun thing in the world if you're scared.