I agreed my partner could have a dog when he retired if it was totally his responsibility. Yes I know that was very trusting of me! I've only ever had cats and never wanted a dog, even to the point I was slightly nervous of them. So 7 months ago we picked up a puppy, a Spaniel/Bichon Frise mix. As a former dog refuser, I can point out some good and bad points for you.
The mess is incredible, if the dog has access to any carpeted area, it will never look the same again (the carpet not the dog). Even if there is a never ending supply of towels at the back door and the dog allows itself to be trained to wait on the towel for drying before it goes any further. (I find this works about 90% of the time, should one of my adult children or grandson be in the house, the towel rule goes out of the dog's head completely).
Following the above, the housework increases considerably. After an early morning walk today, I ended up cleaning the mud off the hall entrance while my partner cleaned the dog in the shower. I am presently putting off going upstairs to clean the shower.
Forget any retirement lie ins, someone has to be up at 7.30 to let the dog out and clean his feet again when he comes in.
Although I do seem to spend a lot of time muttering "I never wanted a b****y dog anyway" he also is a great source of pleasure. He adores me, goodness knows why. When I go to my intermittent job, he sits waiting from 5 p.m. for my return. He sleeps on my bedroom floor, never gets on the bed, unless he thinks I'm trying to sneak a lie in past 7.30. Strangely the dog has also formed a great bond with our very feisty 2 year old cat. They chase each other round and round the garden until she stops and hides under a bench, then she jumps out on him. She actually seems to come looking for him to play. The bond between my grandson and the dog is also lovely to see. They roll around the floor together playing tugging games and ball games.
Finally I would say that for us, it isn't too tying, because my son is willing to house and dog sit while we go away, but that is definitely something you need to consider. I wouldn't give the dog up now, despite the cleaning.