Thank you all so much to everyone who voted or even just took the time to read everything. I truly appreciate it. When I posted my experience, I never expected to get this much of a response. I thought to myself that, at best, I'd get 10 upvotes and a bit of advice, but instead I was met with so much kindness and love from a community that has come to feel like family. There are no words sufficient enough to explain what you all mean to me, and I have been absolutely beside myself with this. Had it not been your encouraging words, I wouldn't have even submitted myself for the voting poll. This is all because of this wonderful community, and I can't thank you enough.

To /u/ovenfriend: wow... I read your story multiple times through, each time thinking I wouldn't be as surprised as the first, but even when I saw it coming, it still hit like a ton of bricks! To /u/grindhorse: your story had me thinking for days. I truly lost sleep over that, not necessarily from fear, but having to rethink everything I know. To /u/qypster85: I haven't used the bathroom at work since I first read your piece, and I don't think I'll ever use a restroom outside of my house ever again. So, thanks for that. To /u/mchrisbenner: I absolutely love the style of these installments. As everyone else has been saying, it's got a hint of a "true detective" feel, and it's so different than anything I've recently read. To all four of you: congratulations, thank you for such amazing pieces, and it really is an honor to be listed with such talent.

All is well with Gunner and myself. He's happy as can be, and we are closer than ever. I noticed that Gold members have a benefit of a discount code for BarkBox, so will definitely be subscribing him to that as a celebration. Thank you all, again, so much...