I can't imagine my life without Midnight and Snowflake...Snowflake let us know of dangerous bums closeby where we were going to camp and when she was outside I knew NOBODY was anywhere close to our trailer...We NEVER liked staying in campgrounds though where she wasn't allowed outside if she wanted out...She was smart though and didn't ramble to far away...Anyhow she died in Nov so it's going to scary without her. She wasn't just a dog but more of a daughter...But I guess I love dogs. Maybe Your wife needs a dog as I do.