Now I'm really starting to have second thoughts. Jake might not be the cuddly love bug that Max is, but I do love him. My 16-year-old stepdaughter surprised me today. When I told her I was thinking of sending Jake to live with her sister, she actually got upset. I didn't know she cared! I don't know when she had the turnaround of feelings for him, because she used to do nothing but gripe about him.

Melissa said her husband "put his foot down" and said "absolutely not". She says she'll work on him and have him talked into it by Thanksgiving, but I told her not to push it. I'm sure Pat will find a loving home for "Lady", and eventually I'll be able to get another big affectionate dog. In the meantime, I'll continue to take good care of Jake.

I feel bad for even thinking about it.