Hi Trippin2.0, Thanks for your reply. I truly appreciate it. Yes, pets have to be cared for financially (and as most of us know, they're expensive). There are, however, other things to take into consideration...for example we have one elderly cat that absolutely adores John (John cares for the old guy, makes him special foods he can eat, etc.) and the cat is also the brother of two other cats we share our lives with. I believe it would be cruel to remove John from that cat's life, but just as cruel to remove the cat from the rest of his family. Those things must be considered - which is why once two people enter into a relationship easy answers go right out the door.

Really, I'd like this thread to be about communication skills. I've asked a mod to close it because I've received the info I need from it (for example - I could have worded some things more effectively) and don't want this thread itself to become triggering to my own (unfortunately) fragile mental state.

Brightest blessings all around~