[willy]

Have two dogs now, yea they are a pain sometimes but for me as an adult I always had dogs that offered something more than just the companionship which in itself is wonderful.
I have had two dogs, well one in particular, a Standard Schnauzer, not the miniature, the original German version, who was the most fabulous watchdog for my home and my wife. Especially with me being at work for years at night with my shift work and often long hours.
God help anyone who would try to get to my wife and kids when I was not home, but would sit and play all day with adults or infants like a doting grandmother. His name was Smokey and he knew evil when he saw it and had the sword of Gabriel to deal with it, he was tested a couple of times.
A couple of years after when I got involved with the bird hunting I started with an English Springer Spaniel and the past eight years with my two Brittany's who are phenomenal hunting dogs.
They all contribute more than they receive so I don't see it the same way as some.
When they have left i felt it a lot.