You know the phrase, when a door closes a window opens. Our Sparky passed back in October and I was pretty certain we would not get another dog unless something strange happened. Well, something did. I was hanging out with people I don't usually hang with, and one person mentioned how she had a friend who was having her dog put down the next day. Frodo is an Aussie/border collie mix, and there had been some behavioral problems because he had been in a house where he tried to herd the small children, and then he was in his next house with a person who has a corporate job and didn't have time for him. After some begging and pleading on my part to the DH I got my dog, and he is wonderful for our family. He doesn't try to herd 6'4" children! I'm so glad I saved his life!