I suppose that last sentence was a barb directed at me. But I don't care. I know that I have donated thousands of dollars to charities and to my family (not children...I have none) and I know what kind of person I am.
I also know that I am extremely appreciative of being able to live, and I didn't need a dog to teach me that.
Not everyone lives the same life you lead. Not everyone learns everything the same way or is able to have the same experiences you do.
Guess you are learning this fact out in a different way than some others do, huh?