>>>>>>>>>The reason why I haven't got a dog (as I had all my youth) is for that reason - I think it's sad to leave a pack animal alone for long periods when at work.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I agree. I was thinking of maybe getting 2 dogs - one for me and one for my wife, so at least it didn't have to be alone all day. I think that a lab and a shih tzu would have a grand day together in a kennel outside in beautiful weather.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Not sure about a shi-tzu - take a lot of grooming, and just as much faff as those toy yorkies I was talking about
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>compare that above (toy) with below (terrier):
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_Terrier
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I had a buddy come over this weekend, and he brought his yorkie. Cute dog.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>I heard on the news a couple of months ago that Yorkshires were the most popular or second most popular dog in the U.S. last year. This was news because it was the first time in 15 years or so that a small dog was in the top two. That has been dominated by big dogs like labs and German Shepherds. They're a little too small and yippy for my taste but obviously they have struck a chord.
>>>>>
>>>>>If I get another dog it may be a bulldog. Now there is a solid animal ;-)
>>>>
>>>>Bulldogs rock. I wasn't able to sell my wife on one, though.
>>>>
>>>>Labs are the most popular, and have been for a while now. Labs also rock.
>>>
>>>
>>>Bulldogs are definitely not a breed that appeals to women, speaking generally. You and your wife definitely have some negotiating to do when the dog-home-alone issue goes away. I suspect (and hope) you will wind up with a lab. They're active, playful, and happy.
>>>
>>>I even have a name picked out for my future bulldog. Winston.
>>
>>That is a perfect bulldog name.
>>
>>We have decided to wait for the summer when the neighbor kids are out of school, and pay one of them to stop over during the day to walk it, etc. I don't think we will get a lab now because I don't know how long the middle-of-the-day arrangement will last.
>>
>>The name for my future yellow lab is Herky. I am going to tie black Hawkeyes handkerchief on it, and it is going to be ROWDY on game day.
>
>
>Hey, you're going to like this. Yesterday I spoke with one of my best friends, the best man at my wedding, and he said their younger son just decided to go to Iowa. Premed. This kid is really smart and has had charm to burn since birth. Lock up your daughters, Iowans! LOL

He has charm, and he obviously has taste.

I've been on an 'Iowa' high lately with the hire of our new coach. He is the Anti-Alford.