I have always had a dog and always will. If I could, I would have a dozen dogs. Our dogs are family, and we treat them with love and care, cuddling, playing and talking to them. I consider my dogs sentient beings and want to give to them what they give to me, unconditional love and attention. I raised one dog, Charlie, to the age of 18. I have had 4 dachshunds, one when I was a child and 3 as an adult. All of my doxies lived to old age, 13, 14, and 18. Each was considered a family member, not a dog. Our current doxie, Maddie is a our baby and we consider us her mom and dad. Our day revolves around our Maddie because she is one bundle of love.