Wow, glad to hear it Netfoot. I once got a small crack in the windshield of my Subaru. It was small, I kept ignoring it, I just didn't want to deal with the repairs. Then we had some really hot weather and it got much worse. Turns out the repair was not a problem, they came to the house and the insurance covered it completely. They really don't want you driving around with a problem in the windshield. Who knew?
Buddy didn't alert you to someone breaking into your yard? Ok, maybe you do need a puppy. Something small and yappy to wake up the big guy.
It's been a bit complicated around here, my elderly mom fell and broke her arm, making caring for my elderly ( and slightly demented ) father much more of a chore. I've managed to talk them into some very part time home health aids while she recovers. I'm hoping they will keep the help even after she is out of her cast. I vacillate between wanting them to get a lot of help. and feeling like I should just go over there and do everything for them myself. They've both been frail for a while this isn't a surprise. But it's a lot.