Dear Edie, I am so sorry to hear about your step-brother. I send my sympathy and prayers. Barb, I know exactly how you feel about your retriever. I had to put my 15 year old cat down on Saturday. As hard as that was, I know it will be a million times worse when my dog gets old (she's only 3 years old, Yellow Lab + Golden mix, 'best dog in the world'). After the cat, my husband said, "that's it, no more pets. It's too hard losing them". But they give us so much love and loyalty. One of my favorite poems is by Kipling, called something like 'Why give your heart to a dog to tear?' It always chokes me up. When you are feeling better, please consider checking out a local rescue group. There are many great dogs who have lots of love to give. (My friend recently rescued 2 older Goldens from Homeward Bound here in California.) Linda Hamid