Dogs - yay or nay?

I can see the attraction of a dog but would never want one. Here, they bark day and night and it's not a noise you can get used to like traffic noise. Fortunately, our landlord does not allow them but all the homes around have them and when one barks, they all join in.
I help to raise money for abandoned dogs, as well as cats because I deplore any kind of cruelty to any animal.
We have friends with well trained, well behaved, dogs but, to me, they smell, and are hard work. I am under no illusions that our house might smell of cats because, of course, we are used to it but when eldest daughter visited, she said she couldn't smell anything. Not only would she be honest with us, but she has such a sensitive nose that I swear she could be used at Airports to sniff out contraband.
Humble apologies to those who own and love dogs but I am not one of those who can coo over a sweet little puppy. Thankfully, Sam is a 100% cat man too...

I think some people are programmed to love dogs, just as others are to like other animals. Also, most of the most fervent dog-lovers I know, were brought up with a family dog so I guess it is what you are used to.

I have one of each - Rufus is 10 months old and very rarely barks!! Apparently his mother is the same ..

I like both ..

I like both. I don't have a dog because I can't give a dog the kind of home/life they need. The independent streak in the cat suits my lifestyle. I can devil off to work all day and Harvey is fine. It wouldn't be fair to do that to a dog.

Mind you Alf was quite dog like in many ways. Always with me, glued to my side given half a chance. He'd run to the door to greet me. He'd follow me about the house and garden.

I've never wanted a dog
because they seem almost like having another child.
They need so much attention.
Having children and working full time
all of my adult life, cats were just easier.

My mother loved dogs and cats.
We had both growing up.
Mother had a German Shepard named Duchess
when I was a girl.
Duchess didn't seem to like anyone
except my mother.
She was a one person dog.

Then she had gray poodle named Mitzi.
She was very sweet.

Because of my lifestyle
and long work hours, a cat
would still be a better choice for me.

But I have close friends who have dogs
that are their babies.

If you have the energy
and that is want you want,
then do it.