I was in a horrible situation with what would for sure be a LVM for a long time. I'll spare you the details, but you know who I mean: selfish, pornsick, video game addicted, a boatload of issues, etc etc.

When I finally broke it off I was really depressed & lonely even though I KNEW he wasn't good for me. I needed distraction. I got my HVM...high value mutt. :)
I got a dog and she has saved me. When I'm depressed, we go for a run. When I'm lonely, she cuddles with me. We've made great friends hiking and at the park, and it's all been a grand distraction. I'm still occasionally sad about everything that happened, but she makes things a lot more tolerable. She loves me no matter what, and is ALWAYS happy to see me. If she had a smartphone, I'd be her background wallpaper.

I've not given up on a HVM, but I'm not lonely. And she'll have final approval of any choice. :)

*And to any of the incel "dogpill" crowd who might be lurking: you're disgusting and depraved.