I'm worried about my dog. Our lab, our buddy for the last 12 years. He has arthritis all through his back. He's had some pain, and some trouble from it now and again, but we never put him on any permanent medication. We always just gave him a pill if he needed it and he'd bounce right back.

Now, he can't really walk. He's dragging his back foot and he keeps falling down. We have stairs all over the house and I'm worried he'll try and go down and he'll fall. I'm also struggling to keep the puppy from hurting him worse. My Berner is just such a big beast. We're keeping them pretty separate right now.

I'm avoiding the call to the vet. I don't want her to tell me there isn't anything she can do. So far he doesn't seem to be in any pain. He just can't walk.

This dog was our first commitment to each other. Before we even got engaged. It's like... okay, we can own a dog together. Wade wanted a hunting dog, and he picked him out. He was such a cute puppy. Turns out, not much of a hunting dog. He's about the laziest Lab you'd ever meet. When Wade would take him bird hunting he'd chase after the birds once, maybe twice, then Wade would turn around wondering where the dog went. He'd be curled up on the leather seats of the truck waiting for Wade to come back.

Wade's always thought this was his dog... please... he's mine. He protects me when Wade's gone. He loves me always, he's the best dog I've ever known. I think many people that know him would say the same thing. He's always just had the sweetest spirit. I know I need to do what's best for my buddy now, I just know, I'll miss him so much.