Dogs are great. I have had two dogs in my life, a doberman named Duke, and a beagle-vizla mix named Bonnie. They have enhanced my life greatly.

Duke passed away a few years ago, but he could never hurt a fly. Well, not exactly. He hated flies and opossums. But he couldn't hurt anything else. He only barked once a year, and was a rather fragile dog, despite his size.

Bonnie is still with us, and has been for five years. She's a rather well-rounded dog, and she loves to get attention. She really loves belly rubs.

Bonnie and Duke have brought great joy into my life. Duke was always there to make me feel better whenever I was sad, and Bonnie has taken up that role.

Both Bonnie and Duke were older dogs when we adopted them. Duke was seven, and Bonnie was three. While puppies are cute, I highly encourage anyone who's thinking about getting a dog to go to a shelter and adopt an older dog. They may have sad faces, but they will love you forever.

Older dogs can still play like puppies, and they love to have attention and get cuddles. If you are a first time dog-owner, or are getting a dog for your child, I suggest an older dog.