As an animal lover and plain old lover of life, I felt your pain Sharen. Animals become members of our family; each with their own distinct personality. There is nothing worse than losing your soulmate, but losing a treasured family pet is pretty close. When I had to put my little spaniel, Lady, to sleep, I said I didn't want another dog but a month later, my Daughter took me to a pet store and I found Tizzy, my baby now and my closest friend.