Sounds like you're being really thoughtful about it. Most of the time, dogs aren't much trouble other than the feeding/walking/bathing/playing they require, but other times they turn out to be a lot more work than bargained for. It's a gigantic commitment, a sweet life in your hands. While my pup is my little babygirl, she's also diabetic (requiring insulin shots 2x/day), has had hip and knee surgery (at about $3000 a pop, not to mention the horrible months of rehabilitation). I've never regretted taking care of the things she needs in life, but it's a huge responsibility, and I've been very very tested emotionally, financially, (etc) by agreeing to that duty for her. Just my .02
I adore dogs, I'll always have dogs.. but they don't live nearly long enough, and they sure can present with challenges we have to face with them.