Basset Hounds for You

I know this is different than typical content on this page. But I need advice from people who have no stake in this.

(Background of why I’m needing emotional support) My mother and father were in a motorcycle wreck 16 days ago. My mother passed, my father is progressing very well. I’m obviously incredibly tore up about this, I am 24 and expected many more years with my mother. I’m also getting married in October and expected much more independence than what will be needed of me in the coming months with assisting my father in his new normal.

With all that being said, my fiance and I had planned on getting a basset at the beginning of the new year, after the wedding and stress of the holidays. But now, I just want to come home from the hospital and cuddle a sweet puppy. We have two cats, one isn’t cuddly at all and the other is independent and only cuddles when he feels like it. So selfishly, I’m wanting to move our timeline of adopting up for some emotional support and some extra distraction as my father becomes a little more independent.

However, I have some hold ups. I live about an hour away from my father. So I will be gone about 2 nights a week for a couple months. My fiance of course will be home full time, and also my father’s home is equipped for a puppy if it will need to travel with us! Also, we want a puppy. I’ve had plenty of people who have done similar adoptions during times of grief but suggest we adopt an older dog like 2-4years old to lower the stress of training. How is training for a basset? Obviously I expect ups and downs but are they very stubborn?

As much as I want to just go out and get a puppy I also really want to be responsible about this so not to affect the upbringing and raising of our new family member. Also should mention, my fiance is totally on board with this. He was ready to go get me a puppy as soon as I expressed my interest.