How important are your pets to your health.

Cyber, I can understand about the not being able to give a dog enough exercise because I can't walk long distances any more either. However, my little Chipper is only six lbs, and he is basically an inside dog, and he gets whatever exercise he needs bouncing around in the house, and following me in the yard when I am working outside.
Another possibility would be to adopt an older dog. They aften get abandoned, and then are put to sleep when they go to the dog pound because people are looking for a puppy, and not a ten year old senior dog. They are often wonderful companion dogs, and sometimes, a very good guard dog as well, and since they are older, theyare not up for a lot of exercise either.