People who've been alerted by electric alarm systems on their homes about a home invasion or other emergency are legion, have to number in the tens anyway. Fact check: do you set your alarms when you are home? (You do? Congratulations!) The number of people alerted to emerging disasters by dogs? I imagine there are lots of people, whole tribes if we stretch back to antiquity. Why would prehistoric peoples work with the strains of wolf to make them a whole line of domesticated stock - but to help with chores and to be another set of ears and eyes alert to danger. If you're not a dog person, do us a favor - don't get a dog just to be "tactical." It doesn't work that way. Dog owners just have an early warning edge in that department. They should. There's a huge investment in time, effort and the practice of patience in having a dog. What kind of dog is best? The kind you like. Having read articles about the "small yappers are as good as the big dogs" and "big dogs are better," I'm convinced it doesn't matter. It's having the dog and letting the dog know at what it's appropriate to sound the alarm - and when it's important to be quiet. In our case, the big dog wasn't always the best choice. My bride had to come home early one night from a night shift. She didn't call before making the drive. As it was after midnight, everything was dark and locked up. She elected to come in the front door. According to her, she heard the rumble of a 95 pound German Shepherd covering the ground quickly. The next thing she knew is that his forepaws were on her shoulders, his nose in her face. She cried out, "SARGE!" and he stopped right there. Close. So much for early warning . . . I didn't know there was a problem until I heard her yell his name! You may have the dog that just wants to handle things like that on his own. We did. I'd prefer to manage the threat myself. Sarge figured he knew better. He got older and slower, as we all do. The bride one day came home with a little yapper. It really didn't matter. If you're not a dog person (and even if you are), get an alarm system. If you're a dog person, you probably already have the dog. Be loyal and loving to the animal as the animal is to you. They don't last as long as we do and their affection is unconditional. Beat that deal with anything else. The downside is one of loss; Facing the loss of your dog's life is painful; a floor-burn on the soul. So smile at them, pet them, play together with them. The time you spend so occupied is good for the soul. And, it's the least you can do for your early warning system. Loyal to the last, Sarge, 1/1/1999 -- 9/27/2010. God bless you for your loyalty, devotion, companionship and humor. Wait for us, there at the gate.