Kristin - 

I wholeheartedly agree!  Across the board pets have an ability to de-stress their owners, and I'm a die-hard dog person myself.  My husband and I got a puppy last April (she was just 9 weeks old - practically like having a baby) and we started the daunting task of training her on all fronts.  He was uncertain of getting a dog but I wanted one so badly.  About halfway through our honeymoon (last October) we had a moment where we looked at each other and said "I miss the dog."  She's a part of our family now.  :)

Can't wait to hear about your new pup!