Nearly everything about your investments and your dog is different, except for this: both are precious to you.

Your dog needs attention and affection. Your investments do not. They work best in a quiet corner, getting little attention and given sufficient time to work their magic.

A dog absolutely needs exercise. Your investments do not. The investments do best when they are not moved or stirred up. The longer they are not disturbed the better they are likely to do.

Your dog is your one and only. Your investments are not. They work best when they are widely distributed around the world, not when your affection is concentrated on a favored few.

Finally, your dog is loyal. He is your best friend and rewards you for your efforts.

Your investments are totally indifferent. They are more like an ungrateful teenager. They could care less whether you live or die, prosper or suffer in penury.

You may be grateful to your investments if they have stood you well over the years but be assured that your investments do not return your affection. You can fall in love with a stock but the stock does not love you. Hanging on too long out of affection has destroyed many investment relationships.

Like a dog, an investment can bark or bite but it will never greet you warmly or share a cozy evening.

Both a dog and your investments have a place in your life but confuse the two at your peril.