I can't imagine life without a dog, Anne. I tried it and was miserable. We have been a two-dog family now for almost 16 years. Our current two, the Heeler and the Mini Poodle, are such a joy. Training Spud, the poodle, took a while because he had been abandoned twice by the time he was 10 months old. We've had him for 4 years now, and he still forgets once in a while and marks something in the house when he gets excited and anxious, but those occasions are very rare. Peanut, the Queensland Heeler, is 10 but acts like a puppy. When we brought Spud home, she acted as if he was her puppy and corrects him and protects him like a good mom should. Having two dogs is a blessing most of the time, because they keep each other company and well-exercised. Peanut was devastated when Archie died and went into a depression for a couple of months. But she perked right up when Spud came to live with us; it gave her a job and a purpose.

Never thought I'd admit it but two dogs are great. Most of my life I've just had 1; but when MIL passed away, we inherited her Corgi. The Goldendoodle and Corgi love each other; they play and have a great time together. They're a joy to watch. So I'm thankful for the two,even though they're double the work.

Jabber, that sounds great for all involved, you and the dogs.

Wow, Anne, that is such a heart-rending (and still heart warming) story. I can certainly understand your hesitance to get involved with training a new dog, because they ARE just like children, they depend on us so for training and boundaries, love and care (and they give so much back in return). Lucky surely was one lucky canine to have such love, care and companionship.