puppy fever!

April 3, 2007 at 8:00PM by Jill Percia |

Wow! In going through all your cute pets for our Pet Beauty Contest, I realized that I want a puppy now more than ever. I've always loved dogs, but never wanted to buy one and take care of it. The ones I like are super expensive, and I just never had the desire to train it and walk it. Also, I was afraid I'd get so attached that when it passes away, I'll be devastated and won't leave my house for a month. I got a hamster in the fifth grade (Rudolph - we got him on Christmas Eve) and I was told it would live for 2 years, max. Well, I had this thing until the end of eighth grade (you do the math - that's three and a half years!) and when it died, I was so upset. I felt like a piece of me disappeared.

Well, needless to say, I'm over the death of little Rudy now, and I'm ready for another pet. I have some money to spend on it now, and I'm willing to commit to taking care of something other than myself. I've been toying with the idea of getting either a Puggle, a Yorkie, a Maltipoo, or a Chihuahua. I know that one's puppy preference is a very personal thing, but how can anyone argue with the cuteness of the little guy pictured here?! I also love the friendly disposition of a Puggle, but the quirkiness and energy of a Chihuahua would be so much fun to have around my apartment. I think one day I'll just have to go to a pet store and check them all out. I guess I'm just a little nervous because I have a tendency to be indecisive with purchases. Lots of times I'll just buy all my options because I can't choose. It's OK to do that with tank tops, but not OK to do that with dogs!

Maybe you girls can help me decide. Here's what I'm looking for: small, doesn't shed a lot, doesn't need a ton of exercise (my apartment is small and I have no backyard..that's NYC for ya), friendly (as in won't bite other dogs' heads off!), and doesn't bark too much.

Any ideas? Post them below and let's start a doggie forum! And if you have a pet, how did you make your decision?

XO, Jill, Reader Services Editor

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