Hey George, sorry I missed you the first time around. We were typing at the same time.

Your experience with Orion sounds a lot like what I'm experiencing with Rocky. Like Orion, Rocky has never shown pain, so it's hard to judge whether it's time or not. The hardest thing to resolve is whether I'm keeping him alive for him or for me. He has good moments here and there, but most of the time he sleeps and is slow to get up and down, but if he's comfortable I really don't mind. He's been my buddy for a long time and if he wants to sleep all day, then let him. I just wish I knew for sure whether or not he is in pain.

Just like your Gretchen, I had to put a mixed setter down several years ago and had the same experience as you. She was close to 17 also, and when she started to go she went downhill fast. One day she was fine and the next she was blind, deaf, senile and in pain. On the day I brought her in she was full of life. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that she loved riding in the car. Of course, I had to be with her when they gave her the shot. Never again!! I will go in and say goodbye when it's over, but I wont go into the room when they give him the shot.

Anyway. it's good to be back. Thanks for the welcome. I'll try to keep out of trouble.

Mark