I've had to think long and hard about getting another pet. At this stage I can't feed an animal myself, I can't clean a cat's litter box, can't take an animal to the vet, can't pick a small animal up if necessary, and even have trouble petting a small animal. Animals are at our mercy and are a big responsibility, and I can take no personal responsibility for one. How is that fair to the animal, or to the people who do have to take responsibility? Or to me, for that matter, the person who will feel guilty for not being able to take responsibility for another life. Another nail in the coffin.

I never imagined myself without animals.... But then, I never imagined myself chained to this chair, either. It's all a lot to think about, and not just a matter of my own emotional wants and needs. I'm not sure what to do, so for the moment, I'm doing nothing.

Thanks very much for all your expressions of concern and greif on my behalf. It's appreciated.

Chris