@alice @schmalzkringel
Swap dogs for pigs. Pigs are every bit as smart as dogs, are at least as charming and have an excellent sense of smell. There's really very little a dog can do that a pig couldn´t, except maybe cuddle on your lap. But that's a matter of breeding (chihuahua-sized pigs would be hilarious).
Replace cats with otters if you want something cute to look at, or with ferrets if you have a mice problem. Something in the mustelidae line, anyway.
Oh, to have a pet otter!