My dogs also meant the world to me. For 30 years, my days revolved around their eating, walks, and play.

When I became unable to take care of myself, I placed my dogs in loving homes where they would receive the care and love they deserve.

Was it hard? You bet! Two years later, I'm living in an apartment where I cannot have dogs (in SE Florida). Sometimes we have to sacrifice our own needs for others. I received a lot of input saying, "Don't give up your dogs, you need them." That may be true -- but my dogs needed something more than I could provide. Believe me, they adapted very, very quickly to their new loving homes -- far more quickly than I adapted to life without them.

So I would beg all of you while Tiger is in this situation not to make what might be a difficult decision she is making even harder.

In both instances, the people who took my pets wanted permanent adoption. In both instances,these were terrific homes with people I already knew, which made my decision easier.

Yes, I would have preferred temporary adoption. Again, I put the need of my animal first.

I am in S. Florida; I am barely getting by $$$ myself with help from my mother. If Tiger wants to PM, I will arrange to meet with her and offer support, but that's about all I can promise, as I work on my own somewhat desperate recovery. Unfortunately, I live a reclusive life and cannot help much with contacts into the community.