SOMEDAY I'LL GET A DOG

Until that day, I'll putz around with the possibility, and toss out idea after idea about the type of dog I should settle down with. Someone recently suggested that I get one of these guys (his name is Chopper, by the way):

What do you think? What kind of dog person do you think I am? When you picture me, Mikal, with a dog, what type of dog is it?

A former neighbor of mine had one of them! They are cute, even as they get older, and require little to no walks. They get tired very quickly. The thing I remember that wasn't good, however, was that the white coat required a lot of baths because it would get "stained" up a lot.

My suggestion is a little dachshund (regular or miniature). They are great apartment dogs and do not require long walks. They are very loyal and have such personalities! (I used to have one so I'm a little partial.)

I don't suggest getting a Labrador or Golden Retriever. While Bart is my baby, he is a lot of work. As he's been getting older he's been slowing down a bit but he's still full of energy and needs at least one good romp a day. The benefit of him, though, is that he is great with people and I don't worry about him nipping a kid or anything like that.

P.S. The best dogs often come from the animal shelters. :-)

Christina is right--if you are going to get a dog, please go to an animal shelter if you decide to get one. And it has been my personal experience that mixed breeds often have the best personalities. However, knowing your schedule, I would NOT recommend you get a pet right now, especially one that "requires" companionship. It's not fair to the animal to leave him/her alone in an apartment so much.

Don't know you well enough yet to determine what kind of dog you should get, but my favorite right now are German Shepherds. They're loyal and intelligent, and they have an adorable awkwardness about them, particularly when they're puppies. I grew up with dachsunds as pets, and they're big babies. I love them, but I find them to be extremely needy dogs.

I think you would look good with a poodle! A poodle would compliment your style 100 percent. Yes ... a female poodle.

I've always loved pugs. They're fun little dogs, and they're small enough to be okay in an apartment for a while. They're not as frilly as poodles, per Billy's suggestion, but they're cute and fun little guys.

But whatever you do, I agree with the others: Get one from the shelter.

Well I think it's hard to do better than a Weimaraner. ... but I'm biased as that's my dog!

http://www.dougmeade.com/template.php?cid=24&dir=Photos/Sterling3/&nw=150

My parents have an Italian Greyhound and they are awesome. They are miniature greyhounds, very fast, but are very adorable. They have very little hair so they are great indoor dogs - winter's may be a challenge in Indianapolis. There are rescue centers for Italian Greyhounds, so email me if you are interested and I can get you in touch with my cousin who rescued one.

I believe you would work well with a dog as a companion. *BUT*, you are afflicted with the same work ethic as me and we spend far too little time at home to be good 'pet gaurdians.' I would love a dog, but fish are the best option for me right now. When you can move to a dog-centric schedule, I would recommend a dog similar in temperment, size and shed resistance as Pepper. Not to mention, you looked right with her.

A Vizsla is my choice for you (wonderful dogs but they do shed!) http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/vizsla.cfm check 'em out! Seems there are many things to consider! Try these 2 quizes and see what YOU come up with: 1. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm 2.http://www.about-dogs.com/dog_breed_choosing.htm
This is a good site for doggie info: http://www.dogomania.com/ and finally an article to assure you "why" YOU need a dog. I know I do! I miss my Hershey very much and work with some fine people who rescue Cocker Spaniels at: http://www.dogomania.com/ Lick-Lick-Pat-Pat

Before you get a dog, you have to make decisions about living arrangements. I know the general area you live in and the general area you work in. They aren't too far apart but I would suggest perhaps moving to a house before getting a dog. Nothing is worse than 1 AM diarrhea cries and having to put clothes on, shoes on, and race down and apartment to get outside. At least if you have a house (w/fence) you can just open the door and go back inside.

I'm serious!!!!!! I've spent far too many early mornings (1AM-4AM) with Bart when he has the "scoots". It can get ugly.

P.S. Doug - People have asked me if Bart is a Weimarner (sp?. Uh... no... !?!?

I'm thinking a Rude Dog...

How about an English Springer Spaniel - you can name it Spunky. If not a mixed breed from a shelter.

... a Basset-Hound; without question.