thanks sheba - thought about getting another puppy. have 4 cats right now, i wonder how they would react. actually i know, they would all react differently, they're just like people. one of them - the old girl - wouldn't like it at all. my yard is big but not fenced. it's a thought, though, i had a german shepard growing up, i loved that dog! cow tipping - it can be done! i haven't done it myself, but i've seen it. they fall down, wake up and go moo and give you a dirty look! yeah, watch out for those patties.