I have an 80lb boxer and because of this thread, I got home and gave him a bigger hug and a bigger kiss...on the lips (no tongue). He gave me a look like "step away from the doggie, loser"! I have thought about you all day Elphaba. I hope it gets easier for you.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-- Author Unknown