Down but not out yet...

I am a firm believer that owning a house is not always the answer for everyone or all situations. Hang in there a while longer. The housing market is going to be stale for quite some time.

Your dogs will be fine, too. They only need you and a happy you.

Chin up.

I would look for another financing company/bank/community credit union/owner mortgage.

I hope your ex rots in hell. Sorry. But I do.

Your Mom has all the right to say no. If I were your Mom, I would have said yes. All Moms are not created equal!

Chin up, chin up, chin up. You can pick your friends but you cannot pick your relatives. ;)