Thank you for the welcome, everybody!
Double Retired - I respect people who don't like dogs, don't worry I personally prefer cats too, since they are less overbearing/hyperactive, but I still like dogs just fine (as long as they are well-trained) and my family likes to have one for safety reasons if nothing else. Our current dog is a Golden Retriever who is very friendly and loves everybody, but she is large (60 pounds) and has a loud bark which is enough to scare off most would-be criminals.
jimmy m - Yes, that has been my experience as well. My dog and cat play a bit roughly sometimes but are otherwise friendly to each other, luckily. Sometimes even licking/cuddling each other. They are both very sweet.
beady - I haven't gotten the chance to foster kittens or puppies so far, but I have major respect for people who do. Currently the house we are renting is too small to have any more pets, but hopefully someday I will be in a situation where I can. I am really looking forward to wildlife rehab, as there is a center very close to my house (which also doubles as a museum/education center) so I can build up a repertoire of volunteering relatively easily.