I could have highlighted every word. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Your words mirror my experience and it's always reassuring to know I'm not alone. I had "that" dog who saw me through my rough 20's-30's and was the perfect, easy-going laid back, most gentle creature I had ever known. Naively, I assumed all dogs were like this since he was my first. Anyway, I experienced a similar transition as the next dog I adopted was the complete opposite and it took me a long time to accept my new reality. I have written extensively - to nauseum - about my struggle to bond with my new dog because writing makes me feel less alone. She has been my dog for over 3 years now and I truly love her and accept her behavioral challenges, but it's been a hard road to arrive here. I love Glennon too - I am glad we both made it through the hard things. Boy did this experience make me stronger than I ever thought possible!