Thanks so much to you all for your responses; they've made me feel better about getting a dog while working. However, it doesn't look like it's going to work out with Atticus. I just got an email telling me that he's got an appointment with a retired gentleman on Thursday evening, and the Dog Coordinator thinks 9 hours alone would be a bit much for him. I'm disappointed--he sounded like such a sweet dog--but I'm glad his future is looking bright and I do think a retiree would be good company for him.

Thanks again!

S