I think it's great to straighten the house. It's hard to get in gear some days. I did the same, but don't have a dog. I have 3 cats, and 3 foster cats in an unofficial capacity with area Humane Society. They are all a great deal of work. Much of it piles up on me around here as I have been helping cats since I moved here in January 2008. I love dogs too, just seem to cost more and are more dependent on walks & being outside a lot. I would like to get a protector dog after I have some other things cleared away to afford the costs and time.