My first dog was a mini dachshund named Tootsie when I was 8 years old, and I've been in love with them ever since. Since then I've owned or lived with 6 weiner dogs, 4 chihuahuas, a chiweenie, and a pug. I enjoy big dogs, I love small dogs. I adore puppies for their youth and exuberance, but I think even more I appreciate the calm, dignity and comfort of an old wise dog. I think I have somewhat innate sense of how to interact with dogs. When I'm out running I often stop to ask people if i can pet their dog, and when their response is "well you can try, but he's pretty shy" almost without fail it's followed with "wow, I'm impressed, he normally doesn't like anyone". (I hope that didn't sound like gloating, just trying to state a fact.)