I have been honored to be the guardian and playmate of dogs for over 30 years. What we have to remember is this: All creatures deserve gentleness, kindness, respect and love. Dante says that we can judge the progress of a nation by the way in which its animals are treated. Dante had it goin' on. As an older (much older!) returning graduate student at the U of MN, your dog will receive lots of snuggling, exercise and erudite conversation (not in that pompous, nauseating way). We'll listen to classical music and maybe even read some (canine appropriate poetry)! We may cuddle/relax in front of the occassional French New Wave or Italian Neo-Realist film. I am perfectly comfortable walking, jogging with, playing ball with or "dog parking" your family member. I of course pay close attention to heat index, hydration, potential socialization issues and safety. I have a SWEET gentle Samoyed named Dr. Pangloss who can be a wonderful play parter, or simply a calming presence. He is an ESA and in training to be a hospital therapy dog.