I suggested a helpless "puppy" specifically because it will tend to shift the focus of attention away from your own needs and onto a helpless animal that depends on you for life itself.

This wonderful group keeps me in tears of gratitude when I am reminded, again, of the family bond that we all share.

I also wish to offer a listening ear if you should ever need to vent your frustrations and concerns. I think you have my email address and, of course, you can always PM me here.

"I've never met a dog that I didn't like!" Perhaps it's an Oyrish thing. As a lad growing up, I was never without a dog.