What would we do without our pets?  They bring such peace and joy to our lives, and ask so little in return.  I live in a high-rise condo where having a dog every day would be a hardship, requiring at least four trips down to the “doggie area” five flights down every day.  It’s the first time in my life that I don’t have a yard for my dog, so I choose to “puppy sit” for my children’s dogs on occasion.  They love their “beach time” with Mamou, and I love my “dog time” with them.  Both are rescue dogs from local shelters, and both are the smartest dogs I’ve ever known.  I think there is a correlation.  Maui looks like a red healer/pittie mix with one brown eye and one white.  She loves humans of all shapes and sizes, but really doesn’t care much for other dogs.  Maybe that is the case because she truly believes she is human.  Frankie is a full standard dachshund, with red hair close to my color, such a gorgeous thing:)  Matt and Ika adopted her at 3 years old, fully house and lap-trained.  She wound up training us as her new dog owners!  Frankie loves humans and dogs alike, and will roll over for bellyrubs for any living thing.  When I have to go too long without my puppies ~ I head for the shelter to get my dog love.  I always get so much more than I give.