Kellia, I see that you have made a decision that works for your family. Rest assured that this topic will come up again, and when it does I urge you to consider the following breeds: West Highland White Terrier (Westies), Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, or Miniature Schnauzer. They are all small breeds (very portable!) non-shedding and have huge personalities.
I AM a dog person, but after our dog died I was not interested in another. After a couple of years, one of our two cats died and the family started bugging for a dog. I had dearly loved our dog of 12 years, but I was enjoying not having to pick up the yard or race home to have to put a dog outside. My husband actually said to me "Resistance is futlile. You will be assimilated. We are getting a dog". He threatened me with a Pomeranian and I said I was willing to agree to a West Highland or a Cairn Terrier. If I was getting a dog it had to be nonshedding (our last dog was a Lab/Chow mix. Yowza, talk about hair!) and I wanted a dog that was small enough for me to be able to pick her up and put her where I wanted her. Literally, the very next day after my pronouncement, we found Suzy. I broke the cardinal rule and bought a dog from a pet shop. How could I not...she was the only Westie in the city, and I found her the day after deciding on a breed. I truly felt that I was meant to have this dog!
Long story made longer... she is an absolutely delightfule pet. We couldn't ask for a nicer dog for our family. She is so cute with her black button eyes and nose, and when she is dirty she is easy to wash in the laundry tub. She not only sleeps on the bed with us, she is often found under the blankets with her head on my shoulder!
Good luck with the decision when the time comes again. After the initial start up costs (large crate, vaccines, etc) she really isn't much of an expense. Now that we've had her nearly 3 years I say she's "fun for the whole family, for just pennies a day!"
glad Op decided to put getting a dog off... it breaks my heart to visit a shelter and see all the 'mistaken' reasons people get dogs,and then can't follow through...time will pass,and circumstances always change- so just tell your kids it's a future thing!
