It's been a year since my dog died and it's hard to remember how much love there was compared to how much work there is. Our yard isn't fenced but we do have a large park nearby. But I'm determined to get a new dog (a couple years old) because I think I won't regret it.

In the meantime, though, our cat gets showered with attention (He's gotten over missing the dog.) I've always had dogs and cats and loved them both.

Even people who think they don't like cats usually find that they fall in love with their own. And they're super easy compared to a dog. I don't know if you should give up your dog. He seems overwhelming. My daughter just got a dog in Chicago and she and her partner both work full-time and I really do think she's sorry about all the responsibility.

I've also kept rats and they make surprisingly good pets, but you do have to take time with them. If you don't get them out and "play" with them at least once a day they become untame (They don't bite, they just don't learn to like you.) And then there's the cage to be cleaned.

I'm sorry this is so long. My advice in short is give up the dog if you can find a good home and get a cat.