Thanks, DAME - I swear, just when you think you've reached an age when nothing can surprise you, WHAM! I have never had pets, so taking these two on as step-children has been an interesting journey. And the emptiness and sense of loss is a bit daunting.
And then I see my girl here, and I just melt.
Thankfully, it seems that I have a fabulously entertaining escape available via Germany! I'll just wait til I can approach it with a clearer mind (and I'm NOT referring to the copious amount of bourbon I've consumed this evening - surely not

)