Getting a dog is a good investment? It may well give the owner a few more years but at what cost?
I have always had Labs. It was impossible to furnish the house with anything part decent. Carpets, chair legs, cushions all ended up being replaced early. Stair carpet for example. I wanted a 100% wool loop carpet - it lasted 6 months with the dog pulling the wool loops out with it's claws.
Then the 'mistakes' try cleaning that up off a cream wool carpet!
Since our last dog died I have replaced all of the furniture, carpets, beds & bedding plus two internal doors.
It's like a piece of heaven now with no worries.