I really would like to get a dog, I've wanted a dog for ages but it's never been the right time due to us living in a flat, or when Clare and I were both working full time.
Now would be a good time to get a dog, we have a reasonable sized house, reasonable garden and Clare is at home in the daytime. It's still a big commitment though (that sounds strange after having a child), dogs live a long time and there are the vets bills to think about...
It would be nice to have an excuse to go out for a walk in these dark evenings, without a dog you tend to feel like a burglar when you're walking around the neighbourhood at night and throwing sticks in a field on your own will bring nothing but trouble.

Easily the best thing about dogs is that all the pedigree breeds can mate together and produce amusing off-spring.

Someone really needs to breed an American Bulldog with a Shih Tzu to get an American Bullshiht

Or maybe a Bearded Collie with a Japanese Chin to get a Bearded Chin?

How about breeding an Old English Sheep Dog with a Doberman Pinscher to get an Old English Sheep Pinscher?

Jack Russell and a Shih Tzu? A Jack Shiht!

Another layer down the Doggy Family Tree might get you a "Stumpy Cock Pinscher" or a "CockerPoodleDo"

I need to stop this now...