I almost adopted a puppy on Saturday.

My girlfriend and I went to the local SPCA and I sat and played with this 5-month old Australian Shepard mix. Dubbed "Tuffy", he truly was adorable. Despite the prodding and coaxing of my lady, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Now don't get me wrong. I have been without a dog for over 10 years, and I miss it terribly. My last dog Lucy passed away several years ago, but she lived at my folks' house. Know that the next dog I get will be an Aussie mix, as she was the best and smartest dog I ever owned.

The simple truth of it is I am a pretty busy guy. Since I live alone, that would mean any pup I get is automatically going to be alone for 8 hours a day, and right now, I am committed to performing a lot through the rest of the year, at least 3 times a week. How can I justify leaving a puppy alone for that long?

"Get two!" they say. Well that isn't a terrible idea, and is very distinct possibility. But I am going to do my very best to wait until the end of the year, after my performing obligations are finished so I can spend as much time as possible training the best companion(s) possible. Maybe for XMAS...