Re: New pet owners, need your feedback.............

Just to clarify...I rescued my dog when she was around 1-ish (probably 1 + a couple/few months) and she ate everything that I owned for practically the first 6 to 8 months. And I mean everything (2 chairs, futon, at least 15 remote controls, shoes, the DaVince Code...TWICE, the dog training book, the bottle of sour spray to keep her from chewing, a Cell Phone ...should I go on?). So, if you are looking for a well behaved, easier managable pooch, you might opt for one a bit older...say 3 or 4. My Abbey had been returned before for the same reason (I found this out later), but I kept her and she finally got over that one bad habit. Best dog I've ever had and worth everything she ate!

As far as your anxiety/allergies...you can 'foster' dogs for rescue/adoption organization! This helps them out and may give you the time to determine if that dog works for your family. It also leaves the dog available for a good home while they are enjoying yours rather than sitting in a kennel somewhere.