You must be a very nice person if you want to own a dog!  Why not make your birthday wish known to people that love you, and see what happens.  If you really want a dog then you can find on craigslist people who need to give their pets to good homes, for very good reasons.  This is a great way to find a pet that needs a great home.  We got two amazing dogs from craigslist and both times the people had to give the dogs up because they had new babies and could not devote the time that a pet needs, to their dog anymore.   Keep in mind that pets do deserve attention and should not be left home alone all day long.  Just like people, they need to have company, attention, good care and unconditional love.