The benefit

Get this right, and everyone's a winner!

For owners

You get all the dog, some of the time.

Dogs are loving, loyal, fun. They’re a reason to get out of the house. They’re company. They’re someone always waiting when you get in. Someone who’d always like to play. Someone who’d like to curl up at your feet.

Not only do you get that, but half the time, you’re dog free.

Much as I love my dog, I also enjoy the periods when I don’t have to get up and walk her in the morning, and when we can go out late without needing to hurry back to let the dog out. But if those are the main "benefits" you want, I’d suggest not having a dog at all.

With a bit of planning you never need to use kennels because you time things like holidays for the periods when you don’t have a dog.

Having an intermittent dog means she’s always exciting, always anticipated, missed, welcomed. She never becomes furniture. My children are always excited to see the dog. She gets more love, more attention, because she never gets boring. She’s never a chore. We’re always grateful to have her.

And for the dog?

Two loving homes. Twice as many places to explore. What's not to like?