I don't see why not. Even if it was a crappy game $15 isn't that much money to blow for a crappy game. But of all my DS games, Nintendogs is one of the ones I still play pretty often.
And in case you didn't know, the version of the game (Dachsund, Labrador, Dalmatian, etc.) doesn't make a terribly huge difference since EVERY breed can be unlocked in each version once you get enough trainer points or by linking with friends with other breeds. Check out the FAQs at gamefaqs.com if you wanna know that kinda stuff. I love it and I really don't think $15 is that much of a waste if you end up absolutely hating it. Go for it.
