to dog or not to dog

[Sea Dangles]

I am a dog person too and agree they are great friends for you and the kids alike. I will offer a word of caution regarding your expectations for the kids and their future soulmate;don't expect them to always be there for the dog. They will not want to walk it in the rain,won't pick up the waste,and even feeding will become a chore.Do your homework regarding breeds some have inherent health problems(bulldogs) others shed a lot(shepherds)and I have also noticed a lot of the small dogs are just plain dumb,as in "what's my name again?".If you have a pool you may want a dog that swims.You also may want a dog that will fetch.Some are too big to take on a trip while others are so small you may not want to be seen with them.Get a dog that makes sense for your lifestyle,spend as much time with it as you can and never forget; a walk for a dog is like fishing for most of us.They love it. Good Luck TXJ.