I find my winter layoffs make me miss riding such that I get downright giddy when spring starts showing. I can ride in sub-zero fahrenheit but if per chance there might be ice on the road, I drive.
I think it's okay to take a break occasionally, but given a choice of riding to work or walking the dog, the dog's getting shot.
Anyway, respect, dogs can be fun but just because you can't ride to work, there are plenty of oppurtunities to get back in the wind.