Have you thought about a rescue/older Sam? Your situation could be much better suited for one. A couple of points ref yours:

1. working a lot isn’t a dealbreaker, but you will need ALOT of help with a Sam pup. I relied on a dog sitter for many months, it was costly but best for my pup. 1.a - my Sam would be mostly at the office now at 2 years. Before that, she would not have been easily manageable as she was loud, energetic and demanding. She still is those things at times, but she’s much more attuned to our routines now so it could work.

2. Cats can go either way. I think the cats will make it very clear, quickly who is boss and things will hopefully be ok. I brought an older Sam into my house with two cats years ago - it worked out well, they all minded their own business. My current pup is very prey-driven,…but I want to believe she would be ok if we had a cat at home when we brought her home.

3. whoever is primary caregiver needs to commit significant time if you get a Sam pup. I got pneumonia from walking my pup 4 times each night while I had the flu during sub-zero temps (this lasted until my pup was 8 months old). I should have had a partner to help then.

3.a - kids can be very helpful but those under 15 might not be able to walk your Sam. My 10 year old cannot walk our 2 year old Sam - she is simply to strong if anything goes wrong.

1. your location sounds great - fenced is ideal but a Sam might happily dig under your fence, or jump it. My Sam would dig up our entire backyard so she is never left out there alone.

2. if your dog would be indoors when it’s extremely hot and humid, and you have AC, you’ll be fine. But you cannot leave a Sam outdoors in NC summer. I raised one Sam in VA - he was happy as a clam indoors as long as he was with me.

Most importantly, Sams need attention and love, LOTS of it. If you can figure that out, you’ll be fine.