Doug - if we could give thumbs up for mudcat posts, I'd give you a double thumb...

As much as I am longing to have a dog again;
due to our circumstances it's not realistic, and probably never will be..

Crunch decision time will be when my wife retires.

.. (or if I snuff it first and leave her on her own)..


We've discussed a compromise she's happy with.
After retirement, hands-on voluntary work with local dog charities...???