Dear Mike Cares, how would you answer this Dear Abby? *case of the man's second best friend

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating "Paul" for several years. He lives about an hour away, and we see each other a few weekends a month. I know he loves me. A few months ago, his dog suddenly died from cancer. It was traumatic because "Bruiser" was his best friend. Paul has been different since Bruiser's death. He has zero interest in anything physical. To me, touch is important -- not just sex. There's shared intimacy in holding someone's hand or kissing. I feel like a plant that's wilting with no sun. I know Paul is struggling, but I don't know how to help him through. We talked about it once, but other than acknowledging he's struggling, he has done nothing further. I don't want to force the issue, but time is precious. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, and I recognize the signs, but he won't get help. How can I support him through this and get over my selfishness? -- IN THE DARK IN NEW YORK

DEAR IN THE DARK IN NEW YORK: Dogs don’t suddenly die from cancer; you probably were so focused on your own stupid needs you didn’t notice what Paul and Bruiser were going through. Also, if you must write “I know Paul loves me,” he probably didn’t. At best, we can be certain that Paul never loved you as much as he loved Bruiser, so rather than worry about your touch needs, why don’t you get Paul a new dog, this way he can touch the dog, you can touch Paul, and you will be right back being where you belong in Paul’s life, a solid #2. Good Luck and Keep in Touch! Dear Mike Cares is also on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (whatever they are.) Email me your stupid questions at DearMikeCares@gmail.com