Reply #19: Best of both worlds...volunteer to be a foster family for a rescue.

[flvegan]

Find a rescue group in your area (*cough* Petfinder.com *cough*), tell them you want to be a foster home for one of their dogs. Tell them what kind/type/age of dog you want to foster. Let the magic work.

Best of both worlds: you get the test drive. If the dog isn't working out, swap him/her out with another of the group's animals. If it is working out, maybe you've found your pup. Also, it's "commitment-free" for Mr. Duckie. It's temporary.

As for the absence during the day, many rescues will see this as a nonissue, as being alone is better than being dead.

Considering the amount of time, though, maybe steer towards a Basenji rescue. They don't bark.

ANY rescue knows full well that the most valuable commodity is a foster home.

Have fun!