I didn't want our current dog and my kids really didn't either. My wife wanted a new dog, but then she wants us to walk it, feed it, scoop poop, et. 95% of the time. This is our 3rd dog (having 1 at a time) and the cycle continues. She always asks about getting a 2nd one so that the 1st isn't lonely. She actually was ready to return this one to the rescue, but my youngest daughter protested and I think my wife was worried I wouldn't allow her to get another....she was correct.