Alexa, why don't you just borrow one of your friend's dogs and take them to the dog run. Like using your friend's ID to get into bars when you were under-age.
Offer to walk the dog three or four times a week (your friend will be happy), and really see if you want to make that commitment.
Dogs in the city! That's as huge a commitment as having a child! So make sure this feeling you're getting is fact, not fancy.

IF you get the dog, be sure to wait to have puppies. That way, should you need to get rid of the dog, you won't have puppies to worry about, too.

You'd really have to move to a suburb and completely change your work and secret identity to have a dog, and of course you'd worry whether you could find a field of work that has the same energy level, etc, and make it work, or not. If it doesn't work out, too bad, welcome to the human condition.

A big dog-- who unconditionally accepts you, and likes to act protective, and could protect if called upon, and knows lots of tricks but ain't too damn smart, that's a good dog.

I recommend the wheaten. Also, because they don't shed much, I like golden doodles (and because it's fun to say).

I've always wanted to see if a dog would run on a treadmill/hamster wheel.
..my dog would probably chew it up in spite. She'd much rather tread deerpaths into the lawn.

But I think it would be funny to try.

This has been my obligatory pointless post of the day. =D

I have a schnoodle (named Noodle) who is a little over a year old. His is the larger type at around 20 lbs and 16" tall. Very loving, gentle and happy dogs. Best part is they don't shed. You won't be disappointed if you do get a schoodle.

How about an alternative? Have you spent any time with Siamese cats? I have owned them for years; most of the advantages of a dog but with out the bother. I have always had two or more. You can leave them with food and water and go away for the week-end without a worry. Mine have been playful and affectionate and very social with my guests. For some reason Siamese have the reputation for being snotty and ill-tempered, nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a bit of interest, go to a cat show the next time one is in town. A caution however, some breeders breed only for the show ring and some of their cats are pretty high strung. Other breeders breed for both the ring and personality. If you spend some time talking to them you will be able to tell which is which. I have four right now and enjoy them thouroughly. They are very social with both humans and each other without being as needy as dogs can be. It seems to me that most dogs come with figurative handcuffs. I have relatives that own a small dog and she is more trouble than all four of my Siamese together. Take a look at Siamese if you get a chance.

Seattlepilot

Puppy?

But you're incapable of taking care of anything other then yourself.

Try a daschuand. Now they aren't much to look at in the beginning. Many call them a "weiner dog," but I guarantee you that they will win over your heart in seconds. Don't like shedding? Get a short haired one and they come in all sizes and hair colours. Just a suggestion. Hope you get the "right" dog for you!

Well, it sounds like you want a family dog. So first...I think you better get a family. I know, the very idea isnt even probably close to your life plan, but I think that's when you should get a dog. You know, after you marry that special someone, spill out a few kids, and get a house in the country...but then again...isnt that a lot for just a dog?

get a wheaten...they are wonderfully intelligent animals, beautiful and even-tempered.

mine, stanley (named after the great director stanley kubrick) is the most sensitive, inquisitive dog i have yet to meet.

we got him from the local animal shelter and he is amazing.

wheatens need a little attention, but i assume you have some free hours during the day for walks/grooming/cuddling...

i love your site and have been reading for quite some time...sad that it takes you mentioning wheaties to get me to comment.

-K

I know how you feel. I actually rent a house with a backyard and plenty of space for a nice dog, but because of my work schedule and miniscule bank account, I'm afraind I won't be able to properly care for the cute little bugger. Instead, I've become surrogate poppa/dogsitter for pretty much anyone I know who has a dog. I get to spoil them rotten and send them home. It has its ups and downs. Whatever you do, don't go surfing www.petfinder.org like I do when I'm bored at work and feeling masochistic. You might end up with your own kennel.

Cotton candy should at least taste good.