Biblio I think it was very responsible of you to take "Alice's" needs into account and realizing that your home wouldn't be an ideal situation.

Like sugarhorse my horse (Fi) is very important to me. Horses are highly sensitive animals and I've had Fi for 13 years. I was diagnosed in 2007; prior to this I couldn't understand why he could be so calm one day and so spooky the next time I came out. I now realize that he was reacting to the mood changes in me and I'm sure this was very confusing for him. He still does this and it helps me be more aware of the subtle shifts in moods, so I can correct it before it becomes a full blown episode. Fi is one of the things in my life that keeps me motivated to manage this illness, go to work, take care of myself etc. because if I'm not well/working I couldn't afford to keep him.