It is an interesting coincidence that I chose today to voice my (contrary) optimism, defying those with a less optimistic view of our past or future to retort. Gosh, the nerve to actually suggest a more popsitive future (I'm leaving in that typo on purpose! LOL). 

I do look forward to ttccrr's responses, and though I'm sure it's not refected in my tone, I don't mean to be as offensive towards him as may be perceived.  It's just a debate, about things where neither of us KNOWs all the answers.  We both have opinions, perceptions, attitudes..... I will try to be more civil in the future.

I have stayed silent until now, but my heart goes out to Ronran and to anyone who suffers the loss of a loved one.  I usually avoid pursuing getting a new pet, because the loss can be so darn tough.  But things just happen, and I end up adopting some stray dog or cat.  I have never been disappointed, well, except for that yellow lab puppy I found wondering the backroads, all skin and bones.  75 pounds later, that dog yanked all my rose bushes, running around the yard with its prize!  And she was smart; she'd wrap a towel around the bush first to avoid the thorns! She did the same thing when I came home from work one day to find my 24' aluminum extension ladder on the opposite side of the yard (a good 50' with obstacles).  There was a hunk of carpet on the top and bottom rung. That must have kept her entertained the whole day!

And I suppose I shouldn't limit this to furry creatures, as there may be reptile lovers out there.  When I was a kid, my best friend had a wild lizzard in his back yard aptly named "Tame".  A part of many afternoons was to go insect hunting.  Take that fly or whatever, injured or fresh kill, lay on the grass with arm extended, and sure enough that lizzard would come out and snag the meal right off our fingers!  And I missed even him when he seemingly disappeared....

Hang in there Ron.  And just hang on to those fond memories.

SGE