I got my first dog when I was 3 (I actually really wanted a kitty, but my mom was alergic). But I'm glad I got my puppy! She was a salt & pepper miniature schnauzer. I named her Muffy after a character on one of my fave tv shows at the time (I think it might have been called 'Today's Special'...) I grew up with Muff, she was like a sister to me. When I was 16 she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and eventually was PTS It was a very sad day, but she was suffering and she just wasn't herself anymore. I know she had a good life. It took me a couple years to even want another dog... I miss you Muff