You think you have grown up. Become mature and sensible. You live in a clean house hence the conclusion that you are a reasonably responsible adult. You think you are not selfish & self centered. Only a dog can show you how selfish you are as you try to cling to your old ways and cry over torn bed sheets & books even as your house fills out with love. He teaches you that all your sophistication and pretty cutlery is pointless. And then somehow as he goes away he teaches you about life & loss in one gut wrenching move and you are left reeling with a perspective you were not prepared to deal with. That nothing really matters except love. The one poison which keeps you alive even as it takes your breath away.