Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your dogs, but don't give up hope. They may just be out sowing wild oats or something.

Congratulations on the job too, and don't sweat the fact that you'll "only" earn $5.45. I think by law first jobs are supposed to be not so great. Mine was working at McDonald's for minimum wage (and that was back in the late 80s when they still wore those awful ugly scratchy humiliating polyester uniforms!). But there's nothing better than getting a paycheck with your name on it (even if you do smell like fry grease when you get home).