a house all day? I think we have great laws in Sweden! But even 6 hours alone is too much! Most responsible breeders demand that the dogs they sell never be left alone for more than 4 hours. "Why get a dog if all y0u have to offer this living creature is being alone in a house all day?" Ms. Benson, honestly that comment is not very well thought out, is it? That is not ALL I have to offer my pets. I offer them long walks in the woods, cuddles on the couch, agility classes, therapy visits, trips out swimming. I offer them hikes and frisbee sessions and lots of visits with people in the park by my house. I offer them treats and good meals. I offer them the companionship of each other (two dogs and a cat). I guess I would turn it around and say this to you: do YOU find it unbearable to be alone for 8 or 9 hours? I know I don't. I enjoy it. I crave time alone after being in a busy office all day. Regardless, I do find your comment a touch judgmental and very subjective. My pets are actually never alone, except for the cat on rare occasion. Personally I can't imagine having just one dog because they seem to enjoy doggie companionship so much. Yet my online searching shows me that the majority of Swedish dog owners do have just one. Now, I won't go around saying that