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The number one question I get is, "Are you going to get another dog?" The only good reason for me to run out and get another dog in the near future is the service it provides to said dog. I'm a good doggie daddy.

However, there are several not so good reasons to run out and get a dog: At some level, my default mindset would be that said dog would have to "be Bernie," at this point. That's no good. Also, I give a lot to my dogs, and I ain't got a lot to give in that regard right now. I'm dog tired for the time being. Third, my life with Bernie was one big adventure, our life combined and my life (beyond comprehension of doggie). That long and lovely chapter of my life is closed (more on that in a subsequent post), and I am currently re-loading for my next big adventure(s). We'll see where I may land, but when I do, it will be with Bernie and Poochie only, not with another dog.

In other words, I have no plans on getting a dog within the foreseeable future.

My next move in that regard, though, may be to train service dogs. You get them as pups, train them through a nonprofit organization, and give them up at two or two and a half years. What's really fun is that your trainee is part of  a "class" of service dogs, and they train together. So, you get to take your dog to restaurants and stuff with its class, to learn how to order from the menu for its master, etc.

I bet you didn't know some dogs can order from a menu.

Anyway, I think that's a great idea. Yes, it would be tough to give the dog up, but how much can you really whine about that when the dog is going to such a worthy cause and person? Besides, most trainers continue to see and care for to some degree their trainees ongoing, that's up to the new owner.

If you're interested, visit Helping Paws website, if for nothing else than to check out the cute puppy and dog photos! Helping Paws is a top-notch organization that has Bernie's paw of approval. They have many different ways you can contribute to the organization, not just via training a dog or $$$. Check it out.