So I wound up getting a new dog today...

Good for you. I love dogs and wish they all had people like you to take them home.

As soon as I move back to Texas, I am getting another Rottie. I had one for 13 years and she was my best friend. Before I moved out here I had to have her put down. It took her forever to get up. She went deaf. She stopped eating. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

I'm glad there are folks who love them and can own them and deal with this, but it's just not me. Watching an animal suffer and die is something I hated as a child and as much as I love dogs it's kept me from ever wanting one of my own as an adult.

Right now, I see myself as a stand in dog grandfather. They can leave one with me for a day or two and we'll have some fun, but the real responsibility stays with the parents.