I have three kids. I totally hear you about feeling everybody coming at you all at once. Is is a boundary I have learned to enforce with my kids really consistently. With one adult in the household and three children, it was a matter of necessary self-defense. That means I laugh at requests to stay up late. Bedtime is absolutely firm and not negotiable, except on weekends (and even then any change is explained in advance).
I've never had a dog, only a cat. So I can't help you there.
Why is it ok to live without knowing?
Do you read the last page of a novel first?
The truth is, you don't get a choice. Life is lived in a state of uncertainty. We can live it gracefully, and with kindness to ourselves and those around us, or we can live in a state of constant anxiety, sapping ourselves of the happiness available to each moment and wearing out our loved ones with our neediness.
How would you rather live?
You've come a long way, baby. Merry Christmas.
Me42, H40 D12, S8, S7 A revealed: 7/13 Sep 4/14; Agreed to D 1/15
