For some reason, I've really been interested in getting a dog. I know that I can't really afford it right now and I'm not quite sure that I'm ready to change my crazy lifestyle to a more stay at home type of lifestyle. Well, maybe the latter part of that statement is a stretch since I am mostly a homebody anyways. But every so often I like to just stay out late, go see movies, or go somewhere at the drop of a hat. I could still do that with a dog, but there's always going to be that "I need to get home to check on the dog," timeframe hanging over my head.

But for some reason, I can't quite shake the feeling that I really want a dog. When Anya and I go to Petsmart to pick up kitten stuff, I always find myself looking at the dog books about different breeds. Or when we go to the pet store on days that they happen to be having adoptions, I'll look at the dogs they have there for sale and wonder if maybe I should get a dog or not.

Dogs for the most part are a fifteen year investment. The dog I'd get now, would be the dog I have when I have kids. The dog I'd get now would be the one that I'd remember throughout the years as being "my first dog." Maybe I'll just play it by ear I guess. I guess it's important to not make any rash decisions. The perfect dog is out there somewhere and will be there whether I get it now, or get it 4 years from now.

But as of now, the breeds that are the most interesting to me are:

Beagles: I really like the way beagles look. They have that overall cuteness to them. Not to big and not too small. A perfect medium range dog.

Goldens: Goldens are the perfect dog. Period. End of story. Just the most lovey and intelligent animals around. I also recall fond memories of "Dallas," who was a great dog. Their only drawbacks as of now is their size isn't conducive to a smaller end apartment.

Jack Russell Terriers: I love the intelligence of these dogs. If I got one, I'd definitely train it to do the coolest tricks from day one. I love how they have shorter hair which helps in the shedding department. They're little spitfires though and are known to tear up your house and/or dig at will. But I think that with the proper training from day one, this could be curtailed.

Scottish Schnauzers: I really like the look of these types of dogs. I think they're really cool looking. They look.....Scottish. Stubborn. I've always thought that they were the coolest looking breed around.

Well....That's about it for now. As I said earlier, I won't make any rash decisions. The perfect dog is out there somewhere whether I get it now or 4 years from now.

matt out