A Hero's Journey

I just have to say this:

I still want this story to have a happy ending. I realize that my heightened emotional attachment to these dogs is part of what created the structural imbalance of our homelife that apparently contributed to (perhaps ultimately caused or at least fostered) the current crisis.

But I want this narrative to evolve into a Rocky-esque story, in which lots of hard work and the support of wise mentors leads to a transformation for all three of us.

I'm not ready to give that up.