All I know is I would have been one of them people sitting on the roof top during a flood with my cute little Jack Russell, she is my baby and my kids sibling, I would not give her up for nothing and do what ever it took to keep her with me. Pets are like family to many of us and we would not consider giving up one of our kids to a shelter, I too would do whatever it takes.
Some of us are different and have a natural talent for what we do and some have to work very very hard and still cannot make it in this biz, I do feel that Pat you should look for another line of income, since it is many years later and you have not found your “niche” then you should move on. Please do not get me wrong or think I am discouraging you but I just feel that you should find land work and do webmaster stuff in your free time.
Anyway good luck to your family and the future.