I enjoy dogs, and have owned dogs in the past, including a collie that was a show dog. But I don't own one now and am hesitant to do so due to relatively long travel obligations, infrequent, but long. Still, I miss having dogs around, and my when my kids (11 and 15) visit they are always missing their own dog! Solution? Enjoy the company of your dog for a few days or weeks while you are on vacation. Bottom line: I have a great back yard and a dog friendly house in a nice neighborhood. We'd love to host your dog (or two). Now, a couple clarifications regarding the account information: (1) I have over seven years of experience as a dog owner, but do not have prior experience as a dog sitter; (2) While I discourage dogs on the furniture, my kids probably won't comply, especially if your dog is used to being on the furniture. So the "not on the furniture" indicator shows my preference, probably not reality. Same with "not on the bed." I'll definitely shoo your dog off my bed, but I have no doubt that my two kids would welcome it onto their beds . . . unless you wisely forbid them teaching your dog that bad habit. ;-)