Reply @pkh3381
Just read your post and my heart goes out to you. My children no longer talk to me either and it’s a pain no mother should have to face. My kids turned out just like their abusive father. So I can relate to you both at the loss of your children and your dog. I am in the same situation as you with few people if any to talk to. I have a new service dog that I’m trying to train now but it’s difficult for two reasons. The first is she was seriously abused as a puppy and the first few months I had to just give her support and care so she would not be frightened and bite and hide. She was hurt so badly in the spine that she could barely walk. The good news is she has recovered considerable use of her legs and back and is living a fairly normal dog life now and her aggression has disappeared and she is a very sweet and loving dog. The second problem is when she was younger she got away with everything and to say anything derogatory to her she would just pee on the floor because she was so scared. So now she’s not scared but she thinks she can do everything she wants to lol and I am mostly bedridden so it’s been a real tough time trying to train her. I’ve trained animals all my life , but never had anything this difficult because of my illness. Sometimes I think she’d be better off with someone else. Because I would love to take her on long walks, but I just can’t. Although she is seems to be happy enough and I think she will as she gets older, gradually fit into a service dog role. I have a big yard for her to run in so she does get lots of exercise. Anyway, I am absolutely positive that if there’s any way at all, you will get a cat. There are so many in shelters that need homes and cats can be supportive in, many many ways. If you would like to talk to me because you are lonely, feel free to reach out anytime I am rooting for you and your future cat. If you can afford it, you can buy the machines that clean the litter boxes for you which would make things much easier. I have a friend who I have given my animals too when I die. I know this particular person will find a new home that is appropriate for any animal I might have. Perhaps you could do the same. You can specify this in your will also. Good luck with your new cat my heart and prayers go out to you.