Dogs, loss, and coping

Late this afternoon I posted on Facebook that I was looking for what people view as their symbols of hope. What is it that keeps them going? I expected a lot a variety in their answers and was surprised at what has been posted (so far) that all are living beings between children and dogs. I mean that I was surprised because I expected more variety in the answers. I think it goes to show how much the love, smiles, and licks we receive from children and dogs mean to us.