By Anita Finley

There's nothing cuter than babies and puppies, but that's where the comparison ends. For all of those baby boomers who don't have time for offspring, they have opted for "man's best friend."

Throughout recorded time, man has found a place for the dog, both as a working partner and as a family member. There has been an endearing and enduring partnership between man and dog for centuries, shown in sculptures from the ancients to the present in some of the finest art galleries. If you like to walk a dog, make time for "A Thousand Hounds -A Walk With the Dogs Through the History of Photography." This photographic exhibition is at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach and runs April 27 -September 1st.

For those of you who remember the family pet, it brings back pleasant memories of that cold, wet nose attached to that snuggly animal that always seemed to know when you needed that special lick. As children, we didn't think about buying the dog food, going to the vet for shots, and making sure that little fella got walked or trained. Now that you've grown up, a puppy dog requires re -arranging your time, spending money on "must haves," and keeping the dog clean enough to get into your bed. Sound familiar?

Besides photographs about dogs, there are many books written about pets and the elderly, especially dogs. All one has to do is watch "Frasier" and see how his father loves "Eddie" with antics that allow Eddie to steal the show. So it goes for the elder person who only has his/her dog left for comfort. In times of stress or illness, nothing is as comforting as having your dog next to your side. Now the senior living communities are getting smart, many of them allowing people to bring their small pet with them when they move in -as long as they can still take care of them. It actually makes the resident happier since they know something is dependent on them. So the next time you are tempted to buy that "puppy in the window," ask yourself if you are ready to take on another "child." That's what it will take, but you probably won't be sorry!!