Always had a dog as a kid. I'm longing for one now. Can't do it.

Well, I guess I could get a little foofoo dog and it would do ok, but I don't want a little foofoo dog. I think by spring's end I'm going to get a bit larger than midsize good ol' short haired mutt. By then I think I can work it so that he's with me all the time--for me, the only way to go--and still have plenty exercise, variety and interaction with other dogs, and thereby be justified in having one. There are a lot of miserable dogs in the hood.

dogs rule-- if you can give a dog a good loving life, it's such a life enhancer. Love Love Love having a dog..can't imagine i'll ever live without one.

Would not even want to try living without one.

I'm really looing forward to it.

I completely agree about the fruufruu dogs. Yuck. I love *real* dogs! Like the golden retriever we had. She was the best! but she died of liver cancer at only 4. She thought I was the best thing since hamburger and turned herself inside out to please. My husband loved her because she would lie at his feet and gaze at him adoringly, lick his hands, follow him anywhere. He often said he wished I was more like our dog! :~) We miss her very much.

Is a Golden too big for you? They're very adaptable.

Mr. Foer is an excellent writer!

My friend has the most adorable golden retriever. The dog tickles and likes having his belly rubbed. He's so sweet! I miss having a dog too.

Come on; let's talk dogs. Surely we all can find agreement here AND we can encourage Godfrey to get himself a Christmas present...uh...Holiday present! :~)

Speaking as a hatemonger, let me just say : I love dogs!

I knew that!

Jatfla, Goldens are nice to look at, but too lickyface for my liking. I like my dogs a lot more aloof.

Christmas is out of the question. As I said it won't be until late spring, at the earliest, that I'll be able to devote the time a pup needs from his pack leader. The early bonding period is very important if you want a dog that doesn't respond equally to anyone smelling of meat.

You're not talking poodle are you?! That kind a' aloof?

The wisest advice I received in dog training was to establish right off who the pack leader is. It only took about 2 days for our 8 wk. old pup. The grabbing by the nap of the neck (as the mother would), using a growlie voice to say "no"! did it. Oh, and the high, happy voice for praise.