I also want a dog very badly, but don't have the space, the time, or the freedom to

1. A house with a backyard is not a requirement, you can have a dog in the apartment, as long as its not too big and restless. Well actually we had an Airedale terrier in an apartment, but we had to exercise and walk her a lot, and she was a terror. The big dogs you mention will need more space and exercise. At least 1/2 hour run morning and evening.

2. You say you'll be away from home from 9 to 6. Is that your work hours or does it also include commuting time? Because if you have to leave the house at 8 and you return at 7, that's quite different. If you have a dog, you can't work late, ever. You can't go to dinner or drinks with friends after work. You can't go to the gym - first you haw to go straight home because your dog has to pee and has been holding it for 12 hours already. (we are talking adult dog)

3. Vacations are another problem. Although, there's a solution - doggie day care. I don't know how much they cost, you should look into it. That would also solve the problem of being at work all day - you can hire someone to babysit your dog, take her out for a walk during the day. It comes down to money and how much of a priority you can make it. Quick search tells me doggie day care costs $15-40 per day (not overnight), which is more reasonable than I expected.

4. Most landlords will not allow pets. The ones that do have a weight limitation, so big and medium sized dogs are out. It will also be much harder finding a roommate - would you want to live with someone else's pet? It's having all the responsibilities but none of the rewards.

5. Food is the only thing that's not a problem. You buy pet food in a store, either in a can or in dry pellets (for adult dogs). You don't have to touch it at all, except to pour it into the dogs bowl.

6. Housing costs. Take a look at Craigslist.org. It's the best place to find roommates and apartments for rent. See what's out there.

In conclusion, it doesn't seem like you are ready for a dog. You'd need to be a bit more settled, to know what your job and living situation is first. What happens all too frequently is a person will get a dog, then they have to move, or the next landlord doesnt allow pets, and the dog ends up abandoned in a shelter. My family immigrated to America, and we brought our dog with us, because my mother couldn't fathom leaving a family member behind. You have to ask yourself, what will you do if your landlord kicks you out? If you lose your job and can't afford to pay for vaccination for the dog. Do you have a support network? Can you move back to our parents with the dog? It's like a baby, something that is vulnerable and entirely dependent on you. And a serious commitment for the next 15 years. If you have to work late, who can you call to walk the dog?

What someone said - get involved with a local shelter, is an excellent idea. Please just don't buy a dog from a pet store on impulse. Pet stores, regardless of what they say, get their pets from puppy mills, those animals are abused and have a score of genetic diseases, it is a deplorable practice that shouldn't get a single dollar of your support, no matter how sad or lovable those puppies in the pet store look. Don't rescue them!

Cats have much fewer of these challenges, but I don't like cats and can't imagine why you'd want to own one. A lower maintenance pet is a much better idea. Lol, for myself, I started with plants. You have to remember to water them every other day, and vacations are also a problem! The peace lily has died a few times, the money tree keeps getting sick, but at least the palm tree is thriving.