I once had a great big dog when I was younger, It was a great dog, played well with others, was a very loyal companion. As the years went by, the dog watched as we had more kids and he accepted the new kids as just another face to lick, and another kid to protect and play with. But as the years went on, age started to take it's toll on my furry buddy, his hips were going, his hearing was going, he started to snap out on those that he had protected and cherished as his own. Some days his nipping and whinning was an all day jag, other times it was just barking and dropping warm "pudding" on the carpet. (anyone who has had an old dog knows the digestive tract is failing at 15 years). I tried everything with this dog, from yelling, to gently talking, to outright banishing him to the yard, nothing seemed to work. His nastiness and cantankerous behavior persisted, he continued to foul up our living space with his gastrointestinal wonders. I would lie in bed late at night hoping that somehow he would get better, or if not maybe he would wander off so that I would not have to do the inevitable. Well, the day finally came when I had discussed the next move with all members of the family, all members agreed that it was too much for us and for our loyal companion to watch him go through anymore of the pain. We made an appointment with the vet, the whole process was streamlined as the vet said " you should say your goodbyes now, you really don't need to be there when it happens", I gently removed his collar, he nuzzled into my neck, he knew the time had come. WHen I returned to the car, I could barely see through the tears, my wife who had been waiting quietly rubbed my back for support.....Perhaps ice's hips or knees are going, maybe his hearing is going, but he is fouling up the place with posts that are generally demeaning to all who disagree with his arguments, maybe it's his turn, someone get his collar