Just had to put down my 16 year old best buddy Chance last week...
Got him when I was still in elementary school from the PA ASPCA when he was about 8 months old, he was abandoned at a McDonald's someone just left him there. My parents didn't like him when I picked him out, but he ended up being the best dog we ever had. We used to go exploring the woods when I was younger, and he was a tough mother F'er... He only weighed about 50-55 lbs but could kill a ground hog with one bite. I don't know how he learned to do it I certainly didn't teach him, but he killed over 50 of them, his record was 19 in one year. I knew the day was coming so it didn't shock me... But the weird part is I'm so used to him just being around I guess I just instinctively go to pet him, and he's not there at my side that's been the part that was hard to deal with. Still got my very old basset hound Daisy though, she's like a timex... Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. She's been run over by a truck and been sick many times... But she's still around. :lol:
Enjoy the time they're with you, there's no better friend than a good dog.
When my last one is gone, I'm sure I'll get another, probably another rescue from the ASPCA or the Humane Society. I think I want a German Sheppard, or a Doberman. But I've never been one to be picky about the breed... I think mutts are your best value.