What's condition continues to degrade. He has refused to eat anything offered to him, including canned dog food, dog biscuits and grilled steak. He did manage to lap some turkey noodle soup. When offered a spoonful of canned dog food, he turned his head and gagged. He will lap at water out of a cup. His weight loss is obvious.

He was unable to climb the fourteen steps to the top of our deck, and was out of breath. I have been carrying him up and down the steps. His breathing is very rapid. He will lay with his head lifted to get more air. After about 30 minutes, he will lay on his side, but not for long.

He looks at us with sad eyes, but will still wag his tail. He enjoys head scratches and rubs. He will walk around, but not very much.

We gave him one aspirin for pain and let him sleep in his dog house.

Last night we discussed as a family having him put to sleep. My daughters both asked that he not be brought back home to be buried in our yard. They also asked we not do an autopsy or send his body for research.

Just months ago he would wake us up barking and spinning in circles for his food. Now we have to go to his dog house on the patio under our deck to make sure he's still with us. This morning he was standing there with just a slow wag of his tail.

I contacted our vet and made an appointment for this afternoon (April 30). If the doctor agrees putting What to sleep will be best for him, we'll have it done. They said they will prepare the body and provide a special box for burial, or they can have his body cremated. Cost of euthanasia is $50 (sometimes waived) and $25 for cremation.

We are all very sad, but don't want to see him suffer. Why have we let it go this long? Because we held out for hope he would improve. Even though he's "Just a dog." he's part of our family. It's hard to let go.

We'll spend some family time with him in the yard this afternoon before we take him to the vet.