My three dogs are my biggest joy and responsibility, one I didn't do very well while drinking. Missed or late meals, missed walks, not alert to their condition, and either too drunk or too sick to take them to the vet if they needed to go.
Two of my dogs are special needs: the very elderly beagirl and the diabetic dog. All the more reason to be sober and alert to watch for any changes in their health, especially diabetic boy. But now that I'm "all here" I don't have to worry that I'll do them wrong.
Just watching them napping on the rug makes me feel good. WAking up in the mornings and seeing them all around me on the bed makes me feel great first thing in the morning.
Money can't buy that feeling but sobriety can.