A short story
Over the years I've managed to cut all these people out of my life. To the extent that twenty or so years ago I made a conscious decision to exclude these people from my circle.
Even my mother. No - she didn't hate animals, she loved them. As a kid in Scotland she had a collie. We grew up with animals and rescued critters. In an attempt to control me, I was asked not to bring my two dogs if I visited her.
I never saw her again.
I have no idea how many people she informed that I put my dogs before my own mother. She set me up and I didn't bite and to this day I'm proud of that.
And she's dead.
PS I actually started to write about something else but this story appeared unbidden. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
Harking back to childhood, I recall a measure of maternal control, psychologically. Growing up broke bonds, but a bit of guilt remains, even after her death. But not much. And certainly, from reading your words, mine was not anything like your relationship.
I admire your honesty. Excluding people from one's life can be a positive, healing experience. Better to carry on unburdened.
Thank You,
George
By the way, our puppydog Shadow says Hi. She's a good girl.
Shadow is beautiful! Absolutely stunning. I just took some veggie fritters over to a friend. He has a young black and tan kelpie and no garden to speak of. As I approached, Gemma the kelpie was sitting out front, she didn't move when I pulled up and got myself and Gibby out of the car. Neal is very strict with her but it's paid off - because KELPIES!!
Thanks for your words of support. I have a brother and sister, we are quite close in age and my mother found reasons to exclude all of us. I feel no guilt; this was a matter of survival.
Take care 