Hucky is so cute, what kind of dog is he? I would guess a rottweiler/GSD??

Also if you do get the puppy, you said the puppy may be allowed in the basement and kitchen sometimes too, I don't think that is really enough, dogs like to be able to interact with their "human pack" a bit more than that.

Most of us pet talkers probably have dogs who sleep in our beds and wherever else they chose to you wouldn't need to go that far, of course, but maybe giving it a bed/crate in the room with you at night or letting it be inside(besides the basement/kitchen) with you in the day time also...that is if you decide to get the/a puppy.