Since I was 12, dogs have been a pretty big deal to me. I was raised by my grandparents and mother. My grandparents in particular owned 2 Dobermans that I helped walk, bathe, feed, and care for. With my grandfather in particular, I not only spent a lot time with our dogs, but other dogs that we had in the neighborhood. My grandfather used to ride around in a blue electric wheelchair, me trotting at his side, all so we could go and see our dogs' 4-legged buddies around town. When I sometimes tell people that I had more dog friends than human friends, they look at me with pity. I don't know why, because even as a kid I learned that most animals are much better friends than people. I like to believe that most people who have dogs know what I mean.