Ouch.

Pretty sure I'll have to put my dog down on Friday.

12-13 year old Pit Bull with what appears to be hip dysplasia (geriatric).  Rescued him from the Utah Humane Society back in September of 2014. 

Let there be no doubt: I love this dog.  Have had the pleasure of having him live with us for just shy of four years.  Our loyal, constant companion.  He's an absolute sweet doll with us and especially our 1 year old son. 

We've known this was coming for a minute.  He had a cardiac or stroke event three months ago, recovered within 24 hours.  The hip issue has been getting steadily worse for the past two weeks. 
He still has bright eyes, an appetite, still wags his tail.  Still wants to be near us and gives us kisses.  I adore that dog. 

For the sake of full disclosure, I adopt senior pets when I have the ability to.  We give them our love, and are devoted pet owners.  We give them a loving, comfortable home.  Exercise when they want it, treats, and snuggles on demand.  I make home-made dog food.  They eat well and are happy. But we do not have the resources to spend large sums of money on heroic medical care.  Hip Surgery on a 13 year old pit would be a death sentence in its own right. 

He's been limping steadily worse over the past two weeks.  Started with is right hip, today I'm noticing his left.   Today he fell down trying to climb the two stairs up our back door. 

Vet visit set up.  One simple question from me.  Is it Hip Dysplasia?  If so, simple decision, I do not want my sweet boy to suffer any more pain or indignity.  Tears will be shed, and I will grieve. 

I'll see him again, in his prime.  He'll love Valhalla, and meet me on the Bifrost with the other dogs we've had with us and helped transition in the past and future.

Crazed American, out.