Kilts and Pets.....

[MacSimoin]

...My wife and I are going to get a dog pretty soon. Probably a German Shepherd or Chocolate Lab.

I've been around animals my entire life and would never want to live any other way. I'm definitely a dog lover (don't believe the hype that cats are more intelligent, that's an apples-and-oranges comparison); my fiance and I have both a purebred GSD and a mix-breed of Flat-coated/Labrador Retriever (black). Here's two pics from this past February's snowstorm (11th and 12th):

Regan (4 months, 40 lbs.) the night before the storm hit full force...



Seamus (3 years, 90 lbs.) dragging my fiance around the yard the following morning (we've since had a fence installed)...



You can see more pics of them here:

http://www.kiltphotos.com/thumbnails.php?album=2&page=3

http://www.kiltphotos.com/thumbnails.php?album=1&page=4

I can recommend both breeds from experience but you may want to ask yourself this: Do you have the time and space (not just physical) for a dog? You should know that GSD's are herding/working dogs while Retrievers are a sporting breed. GSD's can be difficult while training if you're unfamiliar with their dominant nature, but they do respond well to it (they're highly intelligent) and make great companions. Retrievers by nature are want to keep you active whether you like it or not but they make great pets nonetheless.

As for Seamus and Regan, he's still getting used to being 'herded' by Regan...she runs after him and nips his hind legs while he's retrieving toys, balls, stick, etc. It's educational and fun to see their natural instincts at work (or, at play).

If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with both breeds before you make a decision; from my experience (I grew up around both breeds as well), you'll enjoy having either one (or both!) in your life. I know we do.