OK Greg, my story. My father, as a result of an underwater explosion severely damaged his sinuses during WW2. As a result he gained allergies to animals and other stuff. I never had a pet until we tried a cat when I was about 8. Dad was having too severe reactions so the cat lasted a week, devastating to my brother and I but especially to my mum. Fast forward to about 15 years ago when I met my wife she had 2 cats and a dog. Three years later we were married so I finally got my dog (got along with one of the cats as well). Unfortunately Jet (the dog) developed hip dysplasia. I bawled my eyes out when we had to put him down. When my son was born we discovered that he too had allergies to animals as well as a multitude of things ,so it was time for the cats to go again I bawled my eyes out. There have been no signs of my son's allegies improving, except for a neighbours dog. A cute little toy dog at that. The Havanese breed is as close o a hypo-allegenic as they come. So far the contact my son has had with him there have been no reactions. Of all the kids out there, my son deserves a dog. He takes care of his hamster and his sister's ginea pig (soon to be a full faced sporran if it doesn't stop soiling it's cage so often ) he will sit and play with the neighbour's dog whenever the chance presents itself. This Christmas though, Alec might finally get his very own dog a $1400 Havanese, it'll be worth every penny to see his dreams come true. I'm thinking of naming him Fuzzy McSorran but I have a feeling the kid will think that he has naming rights .

Point is Greg, although you never had a dog, just like me you are now. You and this pooddle will gain a special bond. he may not be your dog but he will be your sibling.