I recently lost the sweetest boy who ever wore a black fur coat, and yes, his health challenges were expensive, his end painful, and the hole he left behind is significant. He traveled for several years with me as I commuted two states away to care for elderly parents, soaked up some tears, and faithfully cared for my 90+ year old dad when I moved him in with us.

Bo added faithful love, a thousand laughs, and thousands of miles of daily walks that were at least as good for my health as they were for his.

If you remain firm in your responsibility not to let JT avoid HIS responsibilities to train, care for, and love his furry friend, the pay backs will benefit both for their lifetimes. BTW, I recommend a mixed breed middle to small sized dog. Hoping that JT gets his wish and lives up to it;)