Having owned and cared for others' dogs on-and-off throughout my life, I consider myself well-versed in the dogs' world. I empathize with them, and try to anticipate their needs. I had my first dog at age 14, since which, wherever I have been allowed, I have had dog companionship. While serving in the military, I initially educated on puppy care, then subsequently warned a well-meaning group of teenagers who had group adopted a 4 week-old mongrel puppy. It took them about three weeks before they realized that they had bitten off more than they could chew. They asked me to take him from them, and I was lucky to have him. I named him Sam, and he was the sweetest little dog I ever knew.