Oh how I love this thread..I know when raising my son and daughter that I wouldn't have time for a puppy. When my children grew up and left home I felt such a void and we got Yoshi, or Peke and then I felt the heartstrings jerk again so that is how I now have Miss Priss too. I am just one of those people that needs to nurture, so it is with dogs.
I respect everyone here on their views and this thread has been a very interesting read.
Thank you for starting this..