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In reply to the discussion: I just had to release my 16 year old tri-paw dog, Sugar. It's a beautiful [View all]maddiemom
(5,106 posts)We had an Afghan Hound, nearing 15; old for a large dog. You don't mention Sugar's size or breed/mix, but 16 is quite old for most dogs. In any case, Raj loved to run, even with increasing arthritis in his hips. He loved our heated water bed, but we were now having to lift him up. Eventually he lost control of his bowels and could no longer have the run of the house. We hated to keep him penned, and it was winter, so we couldn't leave him out in our fenced back yard. The only outcome was inevitable, but made worse when our vet told us that he had an amazingly strong heart, "like an athlete," for a dog even half his age. We were offered a young Afghan from a rescue group when they learned we had lost Raj. He was a sweetheart, but , of course, not a replacement. My heart goes out to you and his "brother," who's bound to seriously pine for him. I hope you were able to find a solution to ease things.