Sorry for your loss werdna, I never liked my dog but even though my cat has been dead for around 10 years, I still feel sad every time I see a cat. A friend just got a new kitty, seeing her with it nearly brought me to tears.
Wolfe, just drop it no one will remember your comments a week from now, it is a great community if you give it a chance; just the wrong time to make comments like that. Topics are not restricted to pipe smoking here, they just can't be really controversial like the health care system or politics (other rules apply); when in doubt read the rules and ask a mod if you have any questions.