I don't have a dog just a cat and 2 boys lol. But my kitty brings me much love and comfort. I think personally that would be great for you! Just my opinion. I don't know much about little dogs iv always owned big ones. Hope it all works out! Hugs

Well I hate to tell you most dogs do bark....not all the time but they bark to protect you. I could recommend the King Charles Spaniel a cute little dog kind of a lap dog. I have bassets as you know...a gentler breed you would never find but when they sit on your lap well they really aren't lap dogs. Cutest dogs I have ever seen though with the long floopy ears and forever wagging tail. This is the breed I trusted with my grandkids when they were small. Good luck with your search. Chris

I live in the countryside, very quiet and my husband traveled a lot so we adopted a German Shepherd Chow mix and he bought a Rottwreiler. It turned out that the German Shepherd dog is very protective and have very good hearing. He barks before I could see anyone near the house. The Rottwreiler is very gentle, has hip problem. She sleeps in our bedroom. I am well protected. My friend had a King Charles but very short lived. Chiwawa barks a lot. Chiwawa and Dauchand mix has back problem. My Daughter had to put one down, he was paralyzed.

I've had dogs all my life and as you can tell by my profile photo, I still do. Mine is an Old English Sheepdog who I love with all my heart. That said ... I would try to adopt from your local animal shelter. You will most likely not get a purebred dog, but you'll get one who is grateful for the new chance at life and will love you unconditionally. I've always had shelter dogs and they have lived long, healthy and happy lives.

I have had poodles and chihuahuas and both were great lap dogs but both can be yappers--they can be broken of it but it takes time and effort. They are all passed on now. Now I just have Steve's little miniature dachsund--they are wonderful lap dogs and usually aren't big barkers unless they are alerting you to something--which is good. They are lovable and very loyal--very smart--but a bit stubborn. Once you win them over and get them house broken though they will do everything in their power to make you happy. My Coco is about 12 lbs but they can be anywhere from 5 or 6 lbs to 25 or 30 lbs. She definitely spends as much time as I will let her in my lap snuggling. You might make a trip to the shelter and just take a look there--there are so many little dogs of all sizes and temperaments that are given up for one reason or another--lost, abandoned, or given up because someone is allergic or has to move--you'd be surprised at how many very sweet little animals end up without a home. Sometimes a mutt is the best breed for just being a companion and snuggler. :-)

I adopted a little poodle/schnauzer mix (that is Mattie in my picture)in July and she has brought me such joy but also some challenges. The great thing about a dog is they just won't let you ignore them. I just can't refure Mattie when she brings me that ball to throw or toy to play tug. I could not sleep in our bedroom until I got her as she decided that was the bed she wanted. Like WordLady, I have always adopted from the shelter and have loved every one of them. Whatever you decide to get I don't think you will be disappointed. Good Luck.

I've had all kinds of dogs, mutt and purebreds...but the quietest, cleanest and neatest (aside from my RatTerrier Roxie who has quite a mouth on her) was our Basenji. Unike Roxie, our Paco (Basenji) wasn't a barker - they call them 'barkless', but they will 'talk' when necessary, and I wouldn't want to encounter one who thought I was going to do harm because they can sound awful when protecting. Otherwise, quiet. Then, like Roxie, the Basenji has cat-like habits when it comes to grooming, short hair, no shedding nor odor. Plus they are graceful as a gazelle when in motion. They're not "fluffy" to hold, but affectionate, caring and sympathetic and take hugs gratefully. JMO

I waited almost six months before I decided to get a dog after Vern died. Kept going back to the shelter, tried two dogs who didn't work out, went by on day when I wasn't planning on it, and there was Roxie...4 years old, her 90-year-old master had to go in hospital and no one wanted her, answers to many commands, housebroken, spayed, sweet natured...I still think Vern had a hand in seeing that I got what we had talked about before he left.

Good luck with your hunt. Be patient, keep an open mind along with an open heart and you'll be surprised what turns up. You might get on the American Kennel Club site and check on the qualities, sizes, temperaments, etc. of the different breeds, and also keep an eye on the shelters. Let us know how it comes out...you deserve someone (canine) who will love you as much as you will find you love him/her. (((((NewRoads)))))

Marilyn

A dog will bring you much comfort and joy, there is nothing like unconditional love. I have 2 maltese dogs. They don't shed but will bark to alert you to noises or other people. They have great hearing too. I also had an old english sheep dog who also didn't shed but is to big to sit on your lap. The maltese are great lap dogs. I hope you find the best dog, whatever you choose will be right for you I'm sure. Good luck

Don and I have had dogs since we purchased our first home. At the time he died we had three of them! Only have one now and its an Alaskan Eskimoo. (commonly called Eskies.)

A skipperkee is cute and only about 10-12 lbs. I like a site online called Petfind.com they can give you a lot of info. If you go for a puppy you need to train her/him and that takes time. Older dogs are often housebroken, but all dogs need to be socialized with other animals and people including kids. A pet is a great companion and I can't imagine ever not having one. My warning is you have to be aware they are as you teach them. Left without training you find problems. Watch Ceaser Milon, the Dog Whisperer on Animal Planet too. Wish you the best. Sharon

Great Idea!! And a Spaniel is a wonderful choice. Do not get a puppy- way too much work. I do a little volunteer work and I would suggest checking out rescue groups in your area. They are usually fostering dogs that are in need of homes and will be able to tell you almost everything about the habits of each dog. But remember, even quiet spaniels can get sick, run away and need to go out in storms in the dark. And no dog recognizes the fact that they are small - no one has told them. You might try fostering a dog first- some groups will even let you take a dog on a trail basis - which is what I would suggest to you.They want to place dogs with the right home and will ask you lots of relevant questions. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Cats are definitely easier.

I was not sure if I wanted the commitment of a dog, but the house was so lonely that I decided to take the plunge and get a dog. I spent hours checking pet sites; although the timing was not good at all (3 days before Christmas), I got a little schnoodle puppy. Yes, she loves to play, barks at outside varmints from time to time, and can be a pain; but she also does not let me out of her signt, wants to be next to me, whether on the couch or in my bed, and is a wonderful little companion. My sister-in-law has a King Charles Cavalier, and he is a wonderful little companion as well. Only thing is that he sheds quite a bit, and I don't have that problem. I think you will find a dog such a comfort. It sure helps when I am coming home into an empty house. Good luck in your search for the perfect dog. Roxanne

My dog Molly is a maltizoo. She is part Maltese and part Shed zue. She is a great lap dog. She does not shed and barks very little. I got her about three months after my husband died and she has been such a blessing to help fill the emptiness and give unconditional love. Hope you find the special doggie you want. Hugs, Terry

My husband had a dog when i met him, as a matter of fact, that was his "ace in the hole" the second time we met. He jumped out of his dodge pick up and out jumps rocky, our 50lb shepherd/border collie mix. They both won my heart and now that pete's gone, rocky has been my savior. He's 10 1/2, and is fairly quiet and low energy - loves his morning and evening walks though. He does bark more now that Pete's gone, but it's at night and usually when someone walks by or drives by our condo.

I would not have made it this far without Rocky. He's my reason for getting out of bed every day. If I'm lucky he'll let me sleep until 6:30 on my days off, but on workdays, he's up on the bed in my face at 6am, ready to go.

I'm a huge fan of mixed breeds and actually want to find another dog because Rocky is grieving too - he was with Pete since a 2month old pup.

I definitely agree that pets are very helpful and therapeutic!

And thanks for the topic - i've got a huge smile on my face right now, remembering our meeting!

Gosh, thanks, guys! I appreciate every single comment and suggestion. I, too, have always gotten my cats from the local shelter. The problem is, the only dogs they ever have are the big ones. If they get a little one, it is gone the same day. I must have been there 10 times, looking to see what they had. I've always been opposed to buying purebreds. I've looked at a few sites online.

I guess I'm just going to have to be very patient and keep trying. Maybe I'll find one for a Christmas present for me. Again, thanks to all of you who took the time to write!!

When Bill's cancer returned, he went to petfinder.com to look up golden retriever and our zipcode. We drove to a shelter in W.VA to pick up our 6 yr a sweet golden retriever... for my birthday. Named her Honeybun :) She was dirty and scared at first..............but perfect temperment and already trained. ( No puppy high energy to get past)