Ugh ugh ugh.  I think if someone said something to me about Holly being "just a dog" it would be difficult to resist punching them in the face.  I think Jerry is right - you just have to feel sorry for people like this who have clearly never shared a connection with another being the way that we all have.

What you did for him was amazing.  Period.  I PROMISE you that, even though it was a short time, his life was changed in a huge way.  Think about had he had lived through more pain, hunger, and dog knows what else only to die alone in filth, and then think about the fact that, as horrible as it was for you, the last thing he knew was being held be someone who loved him.  To finally feel love and comfort and have someone care for him when he wasn't feeling well, when he had probably never experienced any of those things before...well, I just can't imagine how wonderful that must have been for him.  I had so hoped that things would turn out differently for him, but everyone here knows that, no matter how much we love them and how hard we try, in the end, we have no control over what happens. 

If your friend is worried about kids, then you should reminder her that you are teaching your daughter some very important lessons - compassion, love, caring for those who are less fortunate than you, love of animals...you are instilling some wonderful values in her at a young age, which will make it more likely that she turns out to be a caring person like you, rather than an insensitive one.

HA!  You know someone isn't a dog person when they suggest that you had control over what dog you got.  It seemed that from the moment you saw Ivan's profile, you were drawn to him and you were going to do what you could to help him...and you followed through.  Dogs who we need and who need us come into our lives at certain moments, and it is rarely about you just "choosing" a dog...it is feeling something profound in your heart about this being someone who needs you and who you need in your life.

I'm glad that she has softened a little bit, but also that you have backed away.  There isn't room in your life for people who can't see what a wonderful thing you did and how important it was for both you and Ivan that he be a part of your life, even if for a short time.

Like said here before, dogs that need you and that you need, come to you. And Ivan REALLY needed you and was so lucky that you found him. I can just say like others here that what you did for Ivan was amazing!! I'm sure the care, love, time and everything you spent on him during your days together must have been like years of love for him. Even if his body was hurting you healed his soul, and his spirit will remember and feel that forever. These days with you changed EVERYTHING for him. Whatever youre "friend" says, you took care of the right dog! We think of you and send lots of hugs!