Sorry Fran...I Lost my red tick hound 3 years ago, totalled my car on the way to the vets office for the last ride. Took in another 3 weeks before that happened,temporarily... Four years later he's still here, the one in my profile pic, my best friend and constant companion.

I really feel for you and your wife. I know for myself I will never be without a dog. I like them better than people.