Dogs.

[Cloud]

Don't start me off on dentists.LOL.

I think I must be mellowing in my old age.Ha Ha.

[squashysu]

Sadly he had to be put to sleep last Hallowe'en and I'm still not over it. I will have another one someday, but not yet, at the moment I'm still at the phase where I don't want another.

sorry about your loss Bluemoon, we lost Rosey on 2nd November! I know how you feel

I also now know what you mean about dogs and owners, they are like kids, they need to know the boundaries and whose in charge, my GSD would do whatever i said, but my OH would be there for the rough and tumble part and she adored him too, i do think having both bitches and dogs that bitches have a lovely side to them, but thats my preference. x

[Two_Sheds]

We've kept all 3 breeds (or mixtures thereof).
I think you should go for the Lab. Gentle & loyal, a bit lazy
Collies are a LOT of work ... they are true working dogs, I don't think they are ideal pets. They need too much stimulation and exercise.

I'd always keep a bitch, not a dog. Dogs pee up everything all the time.

[JanieB]

I was brought up with black Labs. As an adult I have had Lab X Collie's. They have been absolutely wonderful. They looked like Labs and also have their gentle nature together with the intelligence of Collies, um, I think I'll qualify that - the only male I had was prone to wander off after bitches in the area and has been known to be "arrested" on one of his jaunts!!! They were "working" dogs and my Ex used them to help round up the cows for milking.

I haven't been in the position of being able to keep a dog for several years now, but hope to get one in the near future .

[SlugLobber]

Have had experience with all three breeds. There are drawbacks to every one. I would first go to a rescue kennels, as someone else suggested. Take a hanky, though. It's heart-breaking.

For a family dog, I would recommend a greyhound, actually. They make marvellous family pets and I know of many that are homed with cats and they don't need much exercise, either! They are lovely dogs. Those or a Heinz 57!

[OverWyreGrower]

I'd always keep a bitch, not a dog. Dogs pee up everything all the time.

Funny, I probably wouldn't have a bitch. I find males to be a bit more soppy and loving and bitches to be more "independent"

P.S. My boys don't pee up anything and never have

[Polly Fouracre]

We've kept all 3 breeds (or mixtures thereof).
I think you should go for the Lab. Gentle & loyal, a bit lazy
Collies are a LOT of work ... they are true working dogs, I don't think they are ideal pets. They need too much stimulation and exercise.

I'd always keep a bitch, not a dog. Dogs pee up everything all the time.

I agree! My boy piddles everywhere. His name is Harry Potter, we call him Harry Piddlepot!