I've had cats all my life and we've had cats for the 23 years we've been married. Angie is our first dog and she has been such a joy. She's 3 1/2 now and we're so glad that we got her. So much less trouble then cleaning up after the cats. I'm almost 71 and it's gotten to the point where I hope I never see another litter box. She does what she's told and never gets up on counters and things, she doesn't shed, I could leave my sewing room open if she was our only pet. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love our three cats but when they're gone there won't be any more. I'm past the stage in my life where I can care properly for them and cleaning little boxes is a duty my hubby doesn't like to share.

I waited 7 years to get another dog .. I was so heartbroken after our poodle died (he was with us for 18 years) I swore I was not gonna get ever and I do mean ever get another dog. Then my husband insisted we go to the local no kill rescue- I found her- but I wanted a dog who would go every where with me as my poodle did A(well except on hot or cold days and to work!LOL). My last dog followed me like a lost puppy every, would lay down at my feet when I was sewing .. so we went to the shelter-saw her -looked at her picture on line for days-then one day there she was in my home- DH had made the decision to get her so I would have my mind made up and its been LOVE every since !!
I have no idea how I existed in those days since my baby boy died and now .. Gotta have a dog in the house to follow you around, lay at your feet. I may even get her a cat who knows . (Had both of them while the kids were growing up as well as the big birds!) lol OH and the rewards given back after a "treat" are just so thrilling !
Kitsie:have you tried volunteering at a shelter? A friend of mine who is on Social Security does just that, then helps volunteer on weekends for a local vet in her area to walk the dogs. That way as she tells me:she always has a dog/cat in her life.

i am "dogless" for the first time in over 40 years, and won't have another of my own. hubby has parkinson's, and as his gait gets worse, any kind of obstacle in the house makes his life more difficult. thank heaven for having a "grandpuppy"! my daughter and i drove over an hour in a snowstorm so she could adopt a wonderful pooch who comes to visit us often, and i get my dog fix while freya gets spoiled and loved.

congratulations on getting another dog--i'm a little jealous, because a borzoi has been on my wish list for many years. maybe, someday...

Wonderful news! They are great companions and such comfort.
It took me almost 20 years to make that decision and look at me now.
I have three, and i am still looking. Its like quilts, I don't have one of every color yet.

Congrats! There's nothing quite like the love of a pet.

How wonderful!!! Tinkerbelle is somewhat a therapy dog...she is here to help me, but has help many others as she sees fit.
I have been taking her to see my Aunt and Uncle recently and they perk right up when she walks in. She went to the rehab center once a week for a month, and was very well behaved with all the residents. She has been to their home since they have come home and still are smiling when she is visiting. Auntie asks about her every day...they always had a cat in their lives, but with poor health and walkers...another cat is not a good idea. So, my little Tinkerbelle fills in.

I can't imagine not having a dog or cat. They enrich our lives so much with their unconditional love. We have a rescue dog now...name is Teddy (Bear). He is a love with us but is very frightened of men....probably been abused. Since the number of daytime break-ins have been increasing, I am glad to have him because he is a good watch dog with a very sharp bark. Congratulations on your new best friend.

I know what you went through. I had to put my Lakeland down 2 days after Christmas in 2006 and I felt like you.
In May of 2007 I got my schnauzer "Gracie" who was a rescue from Arizona. I have never regretted it. Although there will always be a place in my heart for Katie, I feel she would have loved Gracie as much as I do

A pet makes us better people, they don't tell on anyone and usually like everyone.

There is nothing like the love of a pet & when they go the heartache is overwhelming. We lost our beloved "Jessie" 3 years ago & still have a hard time occasionally. 9 months after we lost "Jessie" we brought our "Abby" into our life & have never regretted it. She is so loving BUT spoiled, spoiled in a good way. Unconditional love is forever.