maybe, no, i'm stunted in human terms. i don't meet reasonable expectations. i can't provide a good excuse. my life has come to depend on a couple dogs, and that may not be for long. in human relations i fear i will never measure up. i was talking with sara p. about dogs that simply perish when their beloved companion dies or leaves. i think i'm more one of the dogs than human. maybe, no, they are like my humans.