I just got done listening to this episode again. I may be in the minority here, but I find this particular episode to be really strange overall. It does contain some good moments and some really nice music passages, as many CBSRMT episodes do. However, this episode turns out to be a disappointing drama about childhood resentments and parental issues, imho. The ending puzzles me too. Not to give too much away, but could a dog bring him the Ultimate Happiness he was seeking? Dogs are great, but his problems seemed to go way beyond just needing the comfort of an animal companion. Perhaps I am missing the point of the story? Personally, he strikes me as the kind of person who would find the most fulfillment through a spiritual path and I would have expected him to embark on some kind of spiritual quest at some point. The old man in the park should have turned out to be his spiritual guru, lol! :)