Well yes the girlfriend was lovely and we got on well with her. They were an item right through university but that came to an end shortly after they finished! My son's fault really as like most young men he was careless with their relationship and I can't put any fault with her or her decision.
When they brought the dog with them my wife and I along with his younger sister walked him with our three dogs, fed him etc.so over the years we became attached to him. Like you Morganmike he's had a couple since and we have been far more reserved in creating a relationship with them. Perhaps he will find the one and then for us we can start to build a suitable relationship.