Tanya,
It IS worth it to have a dog. They may not live long, but they put this very special feeling in your heart, and even though they don't live long you always remember them and their special little ways of doing silly, unique things. I have 2 boxers myself and my female (Roxy) is the light in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. My boyfried gave me a choice between a 2 carat diamond ring or her for christmas one year and I chose her, for one simple reason. I diamond couldn't bring me all the joy that she's already brought me now.