my big mixed breed dog lived to be 16 years old. He was 130 pounds, miss my big guy.
My Mama, and Dad told me at a young age, they can’t fend for themselves, if you take in someone you take care of them to the very best of your ability. Things’ll happen that you don’t have any control over, but do the best you can.
We’ve been blessed with some of the best four legged (and in one case 3 legged) furry family God every graced the planet with.
Our furry family members love us unconditionally. Others will pooh-pooh this. I prefer to think they are sent to us to make us better versions of ourselves by the example of their lives. Hold no grudges. Play with energy. Eat with gusto. Greet returning family members with exuberance. Sleep peacefully. Love completely. :-)