Ben31, How I feel your pain! I had to put down my beautiful Golden after 14 years of love and devotion on his part. He too was full of arthritis in his hips and back and got to the point where he could no longer walk without aid. He was getting steroid shots, taking Relafan, and I was applying hotpacks daily. This all worked for about 6 months, but when nothing was helping any longer I knew it was time. I promised him I would never let him suffer and when I knew he was in unrelenting pain I did the "humane" thing and let him go. It was the hardest thing I have EVER had to do in my whole life and it almost killed me, (all my other dogs lived to the same age, but thankfully died in their sleep) but I knew it was best for him. We said our loving good-byes and I held him as he slipped away, my heart broke into a thousand pieces, but I knew he was no longer in pain and that was my only comfort. That was 6 years ago and now I am faced with it again. My beautiful Chow is now 14, she's is presently in very good health, but I know the time is coming when I may have to make that decision again before long. (they can go downhill so fast at that advanced age) The thought is killing me already, but again I will NOT let one of my beautiful babies suffer needlessly when all medical intervention can no longer alleviate the pain. For a dog, when the quality of life is gone the quanity is of no significance. I know your heart will break, as mine did, but do what is best for your baby, he's given you love and devotion for almost 9 years, now give him the gift of peace and serenity, and the freedom from pain and disability he deserves. Love him enough to let him go peacefully, it's the greatest expression of love you can give him. I wish you well. You have my most profound sympathy!View Thread