Oh Don,
I think its fun that you call the squirrel Donny! On Alek's angle date, my husband brought me home two puppies. Once in a while, I call "Will" Alek. I'll say, "Put that down, Alek" "Come to Mommy, Alek" "Don't even think about it, Alek". My husband laughs and says, "You can call him Chance (My sister's dog), you can call him Buddy (My brother's dog) BUT, you can't call him ALEK. I can't help it - especially when he is doing something he is not supposed to. It just comes out. And, between you and me, I just love saying his name!
Once in a while, when I am really low, Will comes and snuggles in with me. It's like he knows the pain I am in. He will sit there and look out into the empty room and ruff at nothing in the middle of the room. I just know in my heart that he can sense Alek. I ask him - "Will, do you see him - isn't he beautiful?" Kind of weird, I know - but it makes me feel better.
I am thinking of you Don! Sending support and Hugs to you and your family!