My heart goes out to you and Mrs. don-o. It is nothing less than losing a member of the family as I have lost two and it is nothing less than a wrenching event.
After two years and living in a small place, I thought I wouldn’t get another until I had a bigger place. Then one cold, wet October evening six years ago a youngish small mixed-terrior puppy (about six-seven month’s old) was cold and shivering and I took him in for the night. After asking a couple of days asking around for an owner, I adopted him. He had no shots, but parasites, mites, fleas, etc. I spent about $1,000 to get him well and neutered and he has been my constant companion since then. The past two weeks when I was sick he slept on the bed never making a noise but knowing somehow I was under the weather.
Those of us who are dog lovers will get over the hurt and reach out again to adopt another lifelong friend.
The pets we rescue, whether homeless or shelter animals, are the ones who love us the most. They exhibit an undying gratitude that you can see in their eyes.