He's had a lot of health problems -- seizures, several surgeries to remove fatty tumors, one exploratory surgery to make sure there weren't more tumors that x-ray couldn't see. Lately, his bark has been more of a squeak, and the vet presumes a tumor there, but it hasn't affected his quality of life at all, so they didn't want to risk yet another surgery if it wasn't life-threatening. This one, though... Tyler's been winding down for a couple of years now. He still runs and plays like a puppy, but when his people aren't looking, he limps and grunts and groans. He's an old pup... I've known for a while he doesn't have much left in the tank. But he's the first pet I've ever had that was bigger than a hamster. Hamsters are great, don't get me wrong, but they're nothing like a dog. And Tyler's the best, most lovable, most kind-hearted dog you could ever meet. Even at 90 pounds, I let him curl up in my arms and snuggle. It's awkward, and I usually end up with bruises, but how can you resist this face?
I love ya, boy... I wish I could keep you forever, but I won't hold on any longer than is good for you...
