I'm off in the summer and work part-time during the school year so am only gone 4 hours at a time then. I have three kids at home and one in college. We love our dog and our other pets (hamster, bunny, guinea pig, fish, hermit crabs, frog) and they'll love your dog too! Our dog, Lucy, is a member of our family and she gets along well with other dogs and children. Dogs in our home are allowed on the family room couch and have full use of our home and fenced in yard. Sleeping arrangements are up to you, we'll make a cozy space for them to sleep on or off our bed. We give treats too, unless you don't want us to!