Another dog? Maybe

It's 4:30am, so I don't want to be held to anything I say right now. I want to get a puppy. A toy fox terrier puppy. I need to have a dog. I need something to take care of each day. It has to be different than it was with Moped and Skooter though. It has to be a dog that doesn't cause me a lot of stress but adds to my life on a daily basis. I know I'd have to get through the puppy phase again (potty training, socialization, car rides, leash walks, etc.) but I know I can do that. I know it doesn't last forever. What would be different is that I'd have a dog that didn't require a large yard and wouldn't require a whole lot of exercise, beyond a daily walk. It feels like cheating to get a dog that isn't Skooter, but I'm miserable without a dog. I'd like another shot at it. I'd go into this knowing a lot more about what I need to do, from the start.

The question is: Can I be a good dog owner? Can I love another dog while still missing Skooter? I am getting another dog too quickly? What about the cats enjoying not having a dog around? Can I get attached to another dog? I think I can be a much better owner this time around because of all the knowledge I have going into it. I believe I can love another dog while still missing Skooter. I'll always miss Skooter. Nothing will change that. Is it too soon? No, I know what I'm getting myself into. I think that because it's a toy and will be raised with the cats they will get along just fine. I can get attached to another dog. I won't ever forget the love I have for Skooter and Moped, but there is room in my heart for one more.

So, after serious consideration, I'm going to explore the possibility of getting a TFT puppy. It looks like it would be a good breed for us at this stage in our lives. It's still scary to think of getting another dog (will I feel stressed again? will things work out differently this time? can we offer a dog an adequate, appropriate home?) but I know I'm ready to explore the possibility. It makes me happy inside just to think of it.