Thanks for your thoughtful and well written share. Perhaps I have a different perspective as I will be 70 shortly and both my parents have already passed. One day if you’re lucky you will be in your eighties or nineties and we all should consider what we might want, who will help us and conversations that might have taken place but didn’t happene or our parents may not agree or have the same perspective. You have moved on with your life and have more control over your pet than your parents You dont love them any less but the holiday is over and your siblings too must face issues of control, financial stewardship and taking legal and ethical action that may cause hardship in the family. Sometimes the emergency creates the crisis. As a nurse who has worked in home care, rehabilitation, and with elders; there is no easy answer. Be gentle with them and yourself and your siblings. Many families struggle and it doesn’t always end well. There are as many stories of well meaning siblings, children or friends who take advantage for someone else’s on good … doing what you think is best may not coincide with what your parents want or need. Nor may they be willing to spend their own money or to have strangers or family in their home or take away their freedom. Proving that they are incompetent or unable to drive or even select their own food choices is way more complex than you can imagine even if you lived next door. Blessings to you and yours.. so appreciate the conversation and share. Consider visiting more often, offering your parents a visit to you and your pup and caregiver support programs and conversations with care managers, elder attorneys, clergy, and reviewing documents like Five Wishes. Keep in mind, we all become ill, die and must rely on others.., visit with your local centenarian where you live. Other cultures see this very differently