A dog?

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Well, maybe.  Not right away.  Though it wouldn't be a bad thing, in the mid to long term.  More so if moving is in the plans.  Here, a german shepherd would be preferred.  If Alaska is the way, then perhaps a breed that can handle the climate, and... some other things.  A saint bernard, black russian terrier, or such might be the way to go.  No dog, or even pack of dogs, would be all that good against a bear or even wolves or an angry moose.  But they would be an assist in a bad situation, of many sorts.  Even the most weather able dog would need protection, and have limits, up there.  Heck, even right here.  Dog boots in some of the colder times, if you go out hiking or hunting, might well be necessary.  Feeding them would be quite a chore though.

A bigger dog would have to be trained well, and early.  While I have a hundred pounds on the biggest of st. bernards, most people don't.  And I wouldn't want to have to do that at 70 miles an hour.  No, train them young, be the master, or don't mess with such animals.  I am sure there are other breeds that might work well.  It depends more on what my real want of the dog would be.  As I said, they aren't going to be bear protection.  Dunno, will have to think about it.  Both of those animals, big as they are, prefer to live indoors.  Great, two giants and two cats... that would make for a rumbling cave from time to time!  I don't know about Sam, but I know Sassy would enjoy a puppy about as much as she would a shower.  Which, as such a puppy grew, she might get too!  *shlurp!*

If I do get out a lot more regularly, as I propose... and keep the cave in better condition, whether I move or not I might just find myself in league with a big dog.  A dog would be great company out and about, and my canoe can handle dogs.  Not sure I would risk a bigger dog on whitewater, but for flat waters such a creature would make for decent company and mild protection while I sleep.  I was a bit nervous about food requirements, but for dogs over 75 pounds, the recommendation was 2-4 cups, twice a day (general rule).  Though at 200 pounds, I would guess a st. bernard might... eat a bit more?  Oh, he'd let you know if it wasn't enough...  "Where is Sassy?  Hey, I'm... let her out!"  :p

Bedtime.