I relate to this piece a lot. I took care of my old man for two summers in a row as he has Parkinson's and Dementia. My dog Halo gave him so much joy. The man was so busy his entire life he never had the joys of simply BEING with a dog. He's in a home now and it kills me. I've instructed my kids to tow me into a big wave to end my days when I can longer wipe my own ass.