9 1/2 years ago I rescued a 2 year old flat coat retriever from going back to the HS and probably being terminated. Around here they only recycle them once. He was a fine dog and in the field a logrythmic learner. By the time he had his 7 th field season he was physically done for hunting use. He specialized in just being a dog and a super fine companion for the last 2 years. I came home tonite and he didn't get up to greet me. I walked over to the kennel to see what was up and called him, he tried 3 times to get up and couldn't. I went and got the pickup and laid him out on the frt seat, he was hurting hard. I climbed in to head for the vet and he licked my hand and took his last breath,convulsed and died. Hate to think he suffered all day waiting to say goodbye but he did. Not sure why he died, old age,heart etc. but he died that won't change the hole he left. I buried him among the other dogs I've had and next to his last kennel mate. It doesn't get any easier. Magnum Man
