I love my family's dog, but whenever people tell me that they are thinking about getting a dog, I find myself responding a bit sourly and even trying to discourage them. Why would I act that way when I love dogs? I guess I'm projecting my own mixed feelings about ownership -- because no matter how cute and fun they are, dogs are a lot of work and a lot of money. No matter how much your children (or grandchildren or spouse) promise to help care for the dog, it becomes your dog, and you will be doing most of the caretaking... especially when your "helpers" go off to school, move away, or just realize that it's not all fun and games.