Nice as it is to want to have a dog, it's always a good idea to talk to others who actually have one to learn 'what's involved to train, feed, care for and otherwise keep track of a dog or other pet.'
One friend said to plan on a couple thousand a year for care for a dog...and get ready for vet bills. That said, maybe more dog owners could share their skills and introduce their dogs to groups of people who would like to be more connected to a four-legged buddy.
There are therapy dogs and I've known a few who have gone into schools or nursing homes.
