There are some mornings that I awake thinking I must take the dog out…and then I remember:  I don’t have one.

I visit my daughter and my sons and I love each of my granddogs:  Annie, Bernie and Kiana.  When I visit, I’m faithfully followed around, kissed and slurped on, enlisted in a game of fetch (I throw, they fetch)  and have my lap turned into a pillow for each of them – even the big ones! The problem is when it’s time to go home – they don’t come with me.  For now, I cannot have a dog based on the condo rules.

So how do I comfort myself in regards to longing for a pup?  I do a little research and plan for the future.  I’m nothing if not positive you know. So if/when I can have a dog, what kind do I want?  There’s the question.  I’ve always thought that I wanted TWO yellow labs, but I’m not so sure now.  I thought I wanted a large dog – but that was when I was younger and maybe a tad more energetic.  Maybe I should get a “lap” dog?!  You think?

Maybe I should just volunteer at the pet rescue center?  Oh, no.  That won’t work.  I’d want to bring them all home with me…

Ah, the Border Collie (above & below).  The most intelligent dog in the world.  They MUST have a job.  Period.  They will round the children or you up if there is no livestock.  Devoted family dog.  Sweet and loving.  

I love the Miniature Dachshund!  They are beyond adorable!  However, they are very fragile and bark a lot!  Don’t think I want a “yapper”.  But you have to admit – they’re cute!

The ENGLISH Cocker Spaniel.  Again, very cute!  They have a great reputation as a family dog.

Well, hello, cutie pie!  Boxers make good pets from what I’ve read.  What a cute face!

Then, of course, my sweet Labrador Retriever.  This time in chocolate!  I can vouch for this breed.  

Smart as a whip, devoted and loving.

I saw a little fellow just like this one below, along with his gigantic parents, at an AKC national dog show.

The Newfoundland is amazing.  I would take you in a heartbeat, big guy!  Would you just look at that face?!  

Below:  Don’t let appearances and that innocent face fool you.  

Oh, yeah, he’s little and cute now but this English bull dog gets BIG and bossy!  

And they insist on their share of your bed according to my friend Shirley who has two!

A friend of mine loves this breed below:  the Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle dog!  

I have to admit he’s really, really cute.  

Photos courtesy of the internet.