My friend, Katey, has seven Dalmatians. Two-and-a-half years ago, her female popped out 10 puppies. Katie, still, has five of them (she wouldn't let just ANYBODY have one of her babies). One of these "pups" is named Ike and he, absolutely, LOVES Bill and me. From Day One, he has parked himself between us, on the couch and won't leave us alone. We are quite fond of him, too. Katey is adamant that I am the ONLY person who can have one of those dogs. Bill and I would love to have Ike but, we were concerned that he might not be happy, as an only dog and would be too lonesome, while we're at work. We DO have this huge, fenced back yard. Last night, Katey suggested a trial period. Discussed it with Bill. The upshot: on my next four-day weekend, we're going to Tombstone and pick up Ike, on Thursday. If it doesn't work out, we'll take him back, on Sunday. He is, already, used to cats (Katey has 2). Opie's previous owners had a dog and Rowdy is too young to know better so, that won't be a problem. Our main concern is that Ike is happy. We don't want him to eat the sofa or, something like that. I hope it works out OK. I lost my Dalmatian, two months before Ike was born and moved across the state, before they were weaned. It will be so good to have a big, klutzy dog, again.