Should I get a dog?

My psychiatrist and family members all think that I should get a dog for companionship. They say it will calm me and give me something to focus on since the energy has changed in the house with the last of my kids moving out and off to college. I have the time and energy to care for one but I’m just not certain if I’m ready yet. They all think that this is just an excuse. My cat probably would enjoy having a dog around for companionship. She is the type of cat that likes to do her own thing and doesn’t care for anything more than to be petted several times daily; she doesn’t like to be picked up or held.

So is our house ready for another animal? Am I just finding excuses? Do I think they’re all just dwelling on my schizophrenia and my needing a variety of things to focus on so I don’t get too lost in my own head? Would it help my illness to have more movement in the house? Aside from all that, I think that I would truly love another pet. I’d like to have a reason to go for walks three times a day (get more exercise) and I do enjoy the outdoors. However, I’m not certain as to if I’d like being outside in negative degree weather come January here in Minnesota. Hmm…this takes more thinking and I’m not yet ready to commit myself to it quite yet.