Oh that just won't do - you need those pictures..Buy one of the better disposable cameras with a flash (actually they come in digital models now also).
Remember the view finder is different so the pictures come out looking further away. Hubby took one on a ski trip he went on last year with my son, he thought he was close enough and all we see are specks in the snow.
Also, you could try stopping by a reputable camera shop to see if they can unjam your camera??
We can't go to long without pictures of your pups
Randy & Harley