Angela, I have a wonderful little bichon, too. That's him in my picture. He will be two years old in March and he couldn't be sweeter. He's my second bichon. My first one died two years ago and it just about broke my heart. They're a great breed. Ruth

I wanted to share about my beloved Mr. Bud. He is an 8 year old tri-colored Basset Hound. He is my baby! I grew up having Labs, who are the most loving dogs, who totally want to please you. Well, not so with the Basset Hound. They (and Mr. Bud) are a stubborn dog! I do not train him, he trains us! He rules the roost, and is very demanding of us. He expects the world to revolve around him..and some how or another, we fell under his spell! Anyway, I could not ask for a better dog. He is super smart! His nose always gets the best of him and he loves his mommy!

I, too, am a pug lover. I have a black one and a fawn. I know its past Christmas, but if you are still interested you could try a pug rescue. Do an on-line search for state specific dog rescues. It takes a special person to love a pug. : )

I am sooo sorry to hear about your baby. We have a basenji and a basenji mix (we think pit bull but he is such a wimp). Do you have a lot of ticks in your area? I am in Pittsburgh and so far we have been lucky...but my Basenji picked up one while visiting my in laws in Northern Va and brought home a deer tick--on the side of her cheek. I was freaked for a little bit but she never displayed any side effects.

Dearest Ann, I share your pain at your loss. I lost my beloved Sheltie, Kashka, in March. He was my constant companion for 8 years and I've never been closer to any dog. It tore me up inside when he died of pancreatitis. It came on so suddenly. A month later I got a 5 1/2 mo. old Sheltie from a backyard breeder. It was apparant that he had been mistreated there. I had hoped to be able to get him to a point where he wasn't terrified of everything. We had him a little over 6 months and had to give him away because he kept biting my son on the heels and tried to bite my mother. We gave him to an animal behaviorist who worked with him and then adopted him out to a home without kids. We've just gotten a 2 year old black and white ****er Spaniel from a shelter. He had been turned in there 3 times and they were going to euthanize him. He is the sweetest little guy! Very well behaved, loving, playful and extremely housebroken. We just can't figure out why anyone would have gotten rid of him. But, you know, as much as I love Sniffers, I still don't feel as close to him as I did Kashka, and I still miss Kashka terribly. I'm sure, given time, I'll grow a deeper bond with Sniffers. Nothing, though will ever take Kashka's place in my heart. Please know you are not alone and you are loved and cared for. God Bless, Debbie