Reading your reply made so much sense to me, you have no idea!
I think that you are absolutely right:- I have recently moved back to London, where my sister and her family live, however it has been difficult:- I have never been accepted by her, because of her "academic status" so to speak.
"To thy on self be true", is a phrase that springs to mind,I realise that's what I'm being reminded of when I have incredibly lucid dreams such as this one.
An yes I recognise the dog, I won't go on.
Just to say a big thank you for taking the time to help, incredibly kind of you and much appreciated!!!