I'm rambling, but... sometimes I think we would miss out on some of the most rewarding companions if we listened to the "professionals" tell us which dog we should or shouldn't have.

My boyfriend has had Chesapeake Bay Retrievers for over 40 years and he loves them. They are a high-energy, hard-headed breed, but once they figure out who is the alpha there is no more loyal and faithful companion. Since he and I have been together we've loved and lost set of parents (old age), their son (old age)and granddaughter (parvo). We now have another of the grandaughters. She is the nicest dog you'd ever want to meet. She is so loving she took in our dachshund when we first brought him home and has been his mom ever since.

We recently got a Yorkie puppy (my 20th anniversary present). Another one of those high-energy, hard-headed breeds, but she sure has been a joy. Her nickname is MollyMonster (because she gets into things faster than you can keep up), but that would not keep me from getting another of her breed.

I've learned a lot here on the PetTalkBoard about other breeds I never would have considered before. It's been really educational for me and I think I would rather trust the experience of a PetTalk friend who has had the pet in a home environment.

I hope this sounds right - I definitely don't want to come off sounding condesending or patronizing, but I think we all love our dogs - problems and all. Sometimes I just hate it when a "professional" tells me what I should and shouldn't have.