and kids. I didn't want a dog. My wife announced to me one day shortly before I left work that she was on her way to pickup our dog...I wasn't super happy.

My wife and kids all struggle with some pretty challenging emotional stuff. Our dog is where they go to for comfort and relief. Even though I'd prefer my lawn not have pee spots, a wet nose never brushes against me, and I never have to figure out what to do with the dog when we go on a people only vacation, I can't imagine our family without her because of the strong connection my wife and kids have with her.

Anyway, I'm sorry for your loss. I'm genuinely concerned about what will happy in my family when our dog passes on.