I promise to walk him, mom!

What I really, really want for Valentine's Day is a dog.

OK, I can wait until we get back from our vacation in Mexico.

But I do miss having a pooch, although I know my husband Dale and our cat Pikachu don't mind.

Anyhoo, I've been thinking corgi, although I also search listings on www.petfinder.org for other small, friendly breeds, such as Jack Russell terriers.

Dogs are great chums. They get us up and our of the house, even on wretchedly cold and wet days. They keep us safe from the mailman. They love us no matter what.

If I get a dog, I promise to stop asking for a pony.