There have been many times in my life where I regretted getting a dog.
Now that I have DD though I'm so glad I did! She LOVES him and it's jsut so good for kids and people in general to be around animals.
That said, I believe it is ESSENTIAL that the dog is fully trained, so get a smart dog. And put the hard yards into obedience training. otherwise they are a pain to take out etc, and it's never fun and you're constantly telling them off.
After the puppy stage, the extra work is no big deal. It's just when you're travelling that it can be hard. Make friends with the neighbours!
Aw I love my dog so much. He's so cuddly and loyal and sweet.