Just so long as you remember, they can't tell you that it's time. They can't tell you how badly it hurts to stand, that the anti-inflamatory no longer helps and that they simply are no longer having fun. At that stage in their life, it's about them, not us.

I fell for you Larry. Sadness drifted to me as well thinking about ol Dog I still miss him. He was a good herding dog, Edgar.

larry and family such a love that a dog gives to a man and his family is beyond a humans understanding...if all people were to love each other as your dog loved yall what a place this old world would be...sorry for your loss...remember GOD give us the gifts for a while then he recalls them... charlie

Terry, you nailed it.

This whole thread makes my eyes wet. It's only been a few months since I had Claire put down. She came home with me two weeks after my mom died, which also was only a few weeks after my first wife and I separated. I watched the farm boss on my great aunt's farm, out in the Hebrides (Mull), work 4 Border Collies, and 6500 sheep. It was sheer poetry, and I knew I had to have one (which quickly became 3), so her first big trip, at 7 weeks, was on British Air, first class. (The stewardesses gave her more attention than the passengers) I no longer raise sheep, but the intelligence, alertness, and devotion of this breed hooked me forever. I haven't had a bird dog, since my old GWP died, but given my failing wing-shooting ability, that's not too much an impediment to overcome.
Edgar (aka Terry)

Larry and family, Let me echo the thoughts and feelings of so many of the replies to this thread. Dogs Rule. I am now partnered with a one year old and a four year old and I hope I don't let them down.
The Best, Fred