Thanks for the suggestion. This did occur to me. I thought I had a lot of clarity about being ready for this furry companion beforehand, but everything turned around very unexpectedly, and for some reason I'm trapped in that disappointment and guilt. I think part of the problem is I ignored my instincts about this dog when I first met her, I knew she was not right for us, but going ahead with the adoption put the wheels of responsibility in motion, and of course now I feel like I shirked my responsibility. My husband even said the right dog won't come if I try to force it or rush it.