Thank you golden_eve, you're super sweet and helpful!

He actually texted me a couple hours ago asking if he could pay me to watch his dogs while he's out of town in a few weeks... I've watched his dogs in the past for free because I love his dogs and they're a joy to me, but he always wanted to give me money so I agreed to being paid this time.

To me it says volumes that he asked for help. He's the kind of person that is insistent on doing everything alone. I suppose some people might misinterpret it as him using me, maybe he is, but... I know him well enough that I don't think this is the case. I do wish he would seek treatment, but like you said... it's up to him. Thank you again friend.