Nice to see that the problem was resolved and the issue was properly identified. I had purchased a BF-30 bench top mill from another vendor about 8 years ago, it came with multiple serious defects, the lead screws were suppose to be US and were metric with US dials and numerous other issues. Needless to say without a DRO it was useless. The manufacturer/distributor's fix was to send metric dials, the DRO failed and it took 4 months to get a warranty replacement. I eventually sold the mill after I had fixed many of the defects and at substantial cost. Moving forward I purchased a 1340GT lathe from QMT and a LCM-42 knee mill from Acra. The two predominate factors in these purchases was the quality of the machines and the service, which I would rate QMT at the top. Not only in eventually resolving any issues, but providing long term parts and service along with the longest warranty. At this cost level of machines the warranties only provide parts replacement, which is the standard for the industry. Getting the parts can be a prolonged process, but at least you can still get parts.
The QMT machines with the suffix of "T" is for Taiwan manufacturer, the only current bench top mill sold by QMT is the 833T, the other models are of Chinese mainland manufacturer.
Umahunter, so sorry for your loss. I had been in the medical field for 30+ years treating cancer and HIV patients, I block out of my mind all the patients and close friends that passed through the years. Our dogs are our companions for their/our life, and having to put down one so dear to our heart's is never forgotten and one of the most difficult experiences I have endured. My sympathies go out to you, but also balance it against all the good times you experienced together. RIP.