Are we too busy for a dog?

I agree with everyone else in that you should probably hold off on the dog, but if you really are looking for a fun pet, consider a pair of rats!  Rats, despite the bad rap, are very much like miniature dogs personality wise...they are incredibly smart and bond very closely with their human companions, not to mention they cover you in just about as many kisses as any dog would (more actually, and they don't drool!).  You can let them run free in a room and they'll stay nearby and climb all over you and try to play.  You can teach em tricks and they're full of personality and never fail to make you laugh!  As long as you have two (or more) they'd keep each other company during the day and require a minimum of 1 hr of playtime a day, which can be whenever you want.  They'll set their schedules according to yours []

that a good idea.  ive also heard that rats are very friendly.  i have hamsters tho cause rat tails creep me out, they make tailless rats though
 

Trust me, you get used to their tails....and from what I know of hamsters, they're not *nearly* as friendly as rats!  At least none of the ones I've met have been.  Rats are all loving and enjoy being with people, hamsters....can care less []  Tailless rats are rare and not often bred because they often have spine problems due to the lack of a tail...balance and heat regulation is also an issue because the tail is a big factor in both of those.

i didnt know that about tailless rats.  how sad.  yeah they are generally friendlier and smarter than hamsters from what i hear.  ive never actually interacted with one before.  ive thought about getting a tailless one after all my hamsters are gone but that was before i decided to get a dog so now i wont need a rat hehehehhe.   but anyway, i have 5 hamsters.  4 dwarf russian campbells and one syrian.  the syrian likes to be petted and cuddle sometimes but other times not.  2 of the dwarfs love to cuddle, the other two just like trying to escape (natural instinct).  they all have their own personality.  im bettin rats probly do too.   sorry for going off topic
 
p.s. if i ever do get a rat, i would not get a tailless one now that i know.

I agree with all of them. We have several dogs and I was a stay at home mom for 17 years. Had plenty of time for them and now I am working again and if it wasn't for my daughter they would be very lonesome.
I feel rather guilty for not spending the time with them anymore like I used to.
I would hold of on getting a dog right now if I were you.