Looking for dog breed suggestions

Some thoughts here and there--

Have you discussed with your transplant team any concerns about having a pet and where you take that pet? You don't have to share your health details of course but I know that a former coworker of mine on immune suppressent drugs for a transplant had to be extra careful of contagins, including what might be picked up at a dog park or from a young puppy.

I would not typically expect any dog of any breed who is under aged 5-6 years or so to be happy with only 10 minutes walking at a time. Some smaller and lower energy dogs may so OK with that time as indoor playtime and combined with short walks as adults.

While plenty of dogs like dog parks, plenty of dogs hate them. They are stressed by them and may act out in stress or shut down in fear. Basically, never rely on a dog park for exercise when dealing with a puppy or a brand new adult dog.

Since temperament and health are seemingly even more important to you based on exercise and health issues than Average Joe, I suggest contacting breeders about rehomed adult dogs, maybe 4-7 years old for smaller breeds. Ones that maybe finished breeding or did not quite make the cut but are fit otherwise.

Just consider what assistance you have for taking care of the dog as your treatments continue and may require in-patient care

Edit to add--
I mention smaller breeds NOT because they are inherentily lower energy than medium or larger breeds. Not at all. But, given the same energy level from the dog, a 15 lbs Bichon is going to be physically easier to deal with than a 60 lbs Lab along with being overall cheaper/easier to board or find a sitter for

Our home will have to be pet free and sterile when the time comes. But this is going to be 2-3 yrs down the road. I've already been told there is a 2+ yr wait list. In the time it has to be pet free, the animals (we currently have 2 cats) will be at my moms home.

I know 5-10 mins isn't enough, I don't mean that in total each walk. I mean, I can do that, rest and get back to walking them. During the rest, they could sniff around, potty etc.. In that process I would also be working on doing more, basically to build myself to be able to walk longer. I also should have mentioned that I wouldn't be the only one walking the pup. my husband would take it on longer walks when he was home in the evening (no time in the morning for a longer walk)

I would never fully rely on the dog park, if they loved it great! If they didn't, I wouldn't force it. I'd just take them on a long lead to the field to let them run.

If something did come up and i needed help because of my health, I have husband to help. If they needed to go somewhere while I needed to recover, my mom is more than willing to help as well, so all that area is covered.

This isn't something we just decided over night. We discussed this greatly and made sure our bases were covered in the sense of my health and what I can and cannot handle.

I actually would prefer an older pup if i could find one that suited my needs and was good with cats.

Congratulations on being added to the transplant list!

As for dogs, I would not recommend a puppy at all in your case. You know how when you do your research and find out how much work they are and then you ask around and people say how much work a puppy is? It's an understatement! Actually having a puppy to look after 24/7 is way more work than you can prepare for. It's pretty much like having a newborn baby (from what I've heard anyway). You're up several times a night, you're rushing them out to the bathroom every 20 minutes, you're constantly cleaning up after them and making sure they're not getting into anything. They cry, they bite, they're beautiful little devils for the first 6 months. Then around 6 months they really start getting energy.

Honestly I would recommend waiting the 2-3 years and get a dog then. You won't be so restricted on what you have to get and you won't have to send him/her away while you recover from surgery. A dog is a 10-15 year commitment so why not wait and get what you want then? Enjoy your cats in the meantime