An older client who frequented our veterinary clinic owned five poodles. Over the years, she brought her pets to us for routine checkups and procedures. She was devoted to the dogs. As time went on, the dogs aged, and one by one, each of her beloved pets died. When the last of her dogs passed away, I expected a grieving client. Instead, she said: "Well, that is it then. My friend asked me to marry him five years ago, but he didn't like my dogs, so I declined. Now that they're gone, I can marry him."