this thread is killing me. i have an 18 year old cat and a 13 year old yellow lab. everyday they seem to get older, and boy is that tough. my dog doesn't even realize when i come home, so no more running up to me to give me kisses. they're still happy and loved, but i know what's coming very soon. i'm maximizing my time with them now, just bought them both new beds, and an trying to soak it all in before it's too late. i have paintings of both of my buddies hanging in my home office, so they'll always be remembered, but i had to close my office door after reading this thread.