Hi Tad, just a few thoughts about you. I can understand you being afraid of living alone. I also have never lived alone, which brings me to the question why you would like to live without your sons being present? I understand that you would like more space etc. But from my POV i'm glad that I have my youngest D still living with me. One D moved out late 08 & the other in late 14. Unless I do the chasing I don't get to see or hear from them too much! It's Different if they have problems though!
Tell me, if your lady friend asked you to go out somewhere would you jump at the chance?
Regarding you actually being sick from seeing dead animal's or from seeing them being treated badly. I believe you might need help regarding this issue.