Our dog Max (I called him Mamas Max) was our black lab for 17 1/2 years. Our vet said he was like the energizer bunny he kept going and going...He just had a physical a few months ago and all his blood work was perfect for a 17 yr old dog. The problem was his arthritis in his back legs. In the end his back legs gave out and he couldnt even stand to drink water. We knew it was time and we didnt want him to suffer. Max protected our home...he grew up with our kids. Him and his best friend Roxy who passed a year and a half ago would runaway from home together all the time. Max would dig holes under our fence and Roxy would stand around and be the look out. We saw them in action one day and watched. When we came out Roxy would bark and Max would stop digging. We went back inside and watched more. When they were done with the hole they escaped only to find us on the other side to grab them. What a duo they were. Now they are together in Heaven digging holes in Gods backyard.