My neighbour, Kate, and I are both first time dog owners.  In this episode we go into the challenges we've faced and are still struggling with, and, despite this, the overwhelming love we feel for our dogs.  Kate has Toph, a one year old black cockerdor, I have Lola, a 4 year old golden retriever.  For more harrowing details on those first six months, see my Wordpress blog theamateurdogowner