Q: Both my husband and I are in our late 60s and have always stimulated each other with good talks, and consideration and respect for each other's opinions. We recently had one in which we questioned the difference between happiness and satisfaction. He believes both words have the same meaning. I told him I disagree with him and believe that each has its own definition.

In my opinion, happiness is a short-term experience, while satisfaction is based on a longer viewpoint, stretched over a lifetime.

My husband finally said, "I got it!" He brought me a glass of wine and gave me a kiss, at which point, I think we both experienced happiness and satisfaction!

How would you define the difference?

A: Can I agree partially with both of you? We laugh, and can be happy and joyful, but this happiness is more like a one-shot occasion. Satisfaction is based on the long-term combination of our experiences, which includes happiness, love, genetic background, intelligence, finances, family, health and our reactions to what happens to us, and what we cannot control.

Harvard professor Tal Ben-Shear suggests that we experience happiness as a one-time event, while we experience satisfaction over our lifetimes.

Simplified, I believe happiness is a short-term event, while satisfaction is a long-term event in which each individual looks forward to what lies in his or her future.

Q: Although we were unable to have children ourselves, we have an exceptional child: our dog Charlie. Loving him, as he loves us, is that special relationship often formed when a pet becomes a part of your household.

However, his health is breaking down, and we know he is on the clock. He has difficulty seeing and walking. We are in a quandary as to how we should handle him.

Should we consider his suffering and let him go now?

A: Pets bring us happiness, love and joy. On occasion, we observe a family pet to be, at least temporarily so, being treated better than a child. In studying relationships, some experts believe pets communicate better than do some individuals.

Some researchers have learned that every day you walk your dog, you will meet four new people. Also I am aware of a widower who taught his dog to bring him his slippers, go outside and bring in the newspapers, and in one instance, to become friends with a wild deer.

Your veterinarian can offer you the best advice. It takes time to go through a pet's loss. When you lose your pet, you go through the grieving process. Find friends who have been through the same thing with whom you can share your experience. Cry it out, remember the wonderful times you shared and know they he will always be family.

In time, you may consider getting a new pet. Each one is different — as are we — and has its own personality. Your new pet may even say, "meow."

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.