I know to some this might sound stupid but.....

My oldest daughter called and spoke to me on Friday afternoon.  This is kind of a rarity for her.  She is pre-teen already full of anger and mood swings.  It was so awesom to hear from her finally.  It has been a few months.  My son called tonight while I was at bell choir practice.  He sounded ok, he cant wait to come live with me he said,  but he imparted some bad news that makes my heart sick.  When I left my wife I left the dogs for the kids eventhough I love them dearly.  It would not be right to have a dog couped up in an apartment all day long.  After the hurricane my stbx moved the dogs to her "friends" place out in the country.  My son left a message on my phone telling me that Abbigail my blue heeler is dead.  I really dont know how to feel. It has been over a years since I saw her happy face.  I never thougth a dog could smile but she did.  She was the most stubbord and silly animal I have evey been privilidged in knowing.  She was also one of the brightest as well.  She was a rescue animal.  I gave her all the love and attention that I could.  Not bad for a worthless drunk.  She is gone now.  No more of her smiling exploits to witness.  I dont believe animals have souls so she is gone for good.  I have one more dog that may be alive.  Leaving that dog to the care of my stbx and her "friend" seems to be a certain death sentence for him.  Spot is my short hair border collie and I dont want him dead as well.  I am going to ask my lawyer to get the dog back in my custody. Couped up in an apartment is better than a corpse.  I have no need to apologize for leaving my dogs with whom I thougth was competent.  I just hope I can get Spotty back before he meets a similar fate.  Gods peace be with you all.