Is it some kind of large poodle mix? My GF's mother has a golden retreiver/large poodle mix and what a wonderful dog! Smart, quiet, obedient, hypoallergenic and soft as anything... perfect pet imo.
I agree with all that said that cats like the outdoors...we let this cat out as much as possible, but now that's it's below 0, even though it's layered in fat and fur, it comes right back to the door and MEOW!!! If it killed the squirels and mice I'd admire it a bit but man, what a useless waste of money for on demand affection (if it's in the mood). Does the cat count as a non-perishable food item for the food drive??