My husband and I have had dogs all our lives, and have watched many of our friends dogs. I am an optometry student in my last year, and my husband works full time. During week days your dog would be at our home alone from 8-2:30, at most (sometimes my husband comes home for lunch, and somedays I get out of clinic early). On Fridays, my husband gets off at 11am. To us dogs are a part of the family, and we will treat your dog like we do our own. We can also continue any training you may be working with your dog on, and will do our best to keep your dog on a familiar schedule while you are away. Your dog will get to play with my two dogs, an 8 year old, male, black lab mix named Baloo, and a 2 year old, female, Australian cattle dog mix named Lucy (affectionately nicknamed Lucifer). While we are away Lucy gets crated, and Baloo goes in our bedroom, leaving the living room, dining room, and kitchen open to let your dog roam, if your dog doesn't need to be crated. Both of our dogs are fixed. When it's time for your dog to go home, they won't want to leave. Thanks!