Will I be a good GS companion?

Question
I am sorry to bother you but I really want a straight answer from an expert in the field.  My husband and I are considering getting a GS but I want to make sure that we could make such a dog happy.  I have wanted a GS for many years - in fact my minder as a child had one which was a fantastic member of the family and I still miss her!  I have done loads of research although I know I will need to do more to be content.  I do not question that my husband and I would be able to do all the exercising (physically and mentally), obedience training (I already know where to go in my area to train for the UK Good Citizen Award), and loving.  What I am concerned about is that I cannot get around the fact that my husband and I both work, so although we can stagger things, the dog would still be alone three days a week for about 6 hours (we do have a relatively large garden, so the dog wouldn't be stuck in the house - we can fit a dog door).  We do have a very good friend who would be able to come around most of those 3 days for a walk, and the dog would be walked my us in the morning and evening with a good long walk at weekends, when old enough to do so (my husband and I are both keen walkers).  But, is this enough?  We have considered getting a companion dog, but I have read advice that if we do this the dogs will bond with each other and not us (I am only concerned about this possibility in terms of establishing the proper hierachy etc).  We have two cats as well, I don't know if this has a bearing, as we would get a female puppy, so as to make sure everyone gets used to one another.  We do not have children, but would like to start a family in the next few years (God willing).  I would really appreciate advice on this, as on the one hand I know we can give a dog love and all the proper care, on the other I don't want to not be able to give such a dog the home a GS deserves.

Answer
Hi,
I think you have all the bases covered. I am very particular about where I let my pups go, but I would consider you a wonderful prospect for a home. The cats will be fine provided you socialize the pup with them correctly. If you need help with that let me know.  If you choose to get two dogs,get one first, then wait awhile before acquiring the other. The dogs will bond with each other but as long as you spend some time alone with each dog as pups daily, they will bond also with you. If you don't get another pup, don't be surprised if pup bonds with kitties as well. Very often any warm body will do. If you do go ahead and get a GSD pup, be sure that you get one with either a low prey drive, or you work with the pup pretty diligently to get them used to your kitties. Then they'll be fast friends and a companion dog won't be necessary. I honestly believe that your baby will be fine either way. Caring enough to do all the research that you have done shows that you will be a good loving home;. There is no such thing as perfection but I'm sure you're really close to that. Find a GOOD breeder and choose your baby carefully. I love my GSD"s but as I'm sure you know there are good, and bad breeders. Your pup will be a lovely companion and protector. Do not limit your choice to females only, as males are just as loving as females, and not any more likely to have problems with your kitties or your living situation. In fact, I personally prefer males. Congratulations on your choice.