I really feel for you Bill, I do hope the family change their minds. All dog lovers will know that once you have a dog, being without one just doesnt feel natural.
I used to have little chats to the old boy & he was always there when i was stressed or had a bad day, he was more than a dog - people who are not really into Dogs wouldn't have a clue what i mean & would have me down a some kind of nut !
There's something unique about Akita's
When keeks went i was devastated & nothing seemed right in the house. When he was here I used to moan about the dog hair sometimes ,but one day i hoovered & didn't really need to - that was a sad day for me

I shall probably curse the dog hair & muddy paws again - but in my heart i know that the house is complete & that once again i've helped two oldies have a bit of comfort in their senior years