Hmm, am I sure I didn't write this as fearless? Sounds like I could have, he he. the lack of caring and becoming a recluse is probably depression, I am still working on that. The realization that the world is harsh is just having your eyes wide open. The way I try to deal with that is by how I live. I can be kind and curtious and make a difference in a day or a life. I love that I have that power. A smile, waving someone out infront of me in traffic, sharing their baby story, (love babies). Little things or big things, it's the human connection that matters most. And the critters, I am happy you have a dog. I talk to my critters and feel like I am gifted by them. It doesn't make it all better but it's pretty darned cool to be able to put love out there when there is so much crap.