Eskielover - I do always admire your Leo in the photo above. He looks like an Eskimo dog. And I feel for you. My border collie died of liver cancer. For 5 years I couldn't drive by a park we used to go to. I cried over her for 5 years. I know what you mean by a doggie "soulmate." Now I smile thinking of her, but getting there took time. One day I may get another dog, but I can't imagine finding another soulmate-dog. Where I live, I was known far and wide as "the lady with the black and white dog." We were always together - walking everywhere . . . because that's what you do when you have that breed of dog (unless you live on a farm.)

After she was gone, my s.o. had spinal surgery and became disabled. That kept me busy. You're right about how the necessity of caring for living beings keeps you going.

Now I'm free to procrastinate and do nothing, if I want. But last evening showed me I can feel better by getting stuff done. So I'll go change the bed sheets for a start.