ORIGINAL: Texasimport

Not sure who to ask so why not the folks here? I have a long time family companion, Golden retriver, who just turned 15 2 weeks ago. The poor guy has bad arthrytis (sp?) on his back legs to the point where he can no long stand up with out help. We now have a harness he wears all the time so we can lift and walk him to/from food, water and bathroom etc. It is rare for him to stand alone for more than a few seconds at a time. The dog also has started growing those wonderful lumps under his skin. He now has a returning lump, cut out once already on his right side chest just behind his front leg. Daamn thing must weigh 3 or 4 LBs now, football size. Did I menytion that this latest lump now needs to stay bandaged so the dog won't lick it to death, so it does oose but not infected, yet. . . .I don't think he would make it through another trip to have it removed again. Not to mention eye and hearing going too.

The boys 10, 14 along with the wife feel he must be happy if he wags his tail once in a while.

I keep hoping to poor guy will go in his sleep but he keeps hanging in. . .

I think it is time to call it quits. The pound would charge a small fee if I take him in for the final shot and disposal.

If I was still in Texas I would take him out to the ranch and take him for a nice walk and then do it my self but I now live in town and don't have such an option any more.

Thoughts?