Yeah, it's unfortunate that people used to do that but I think it was accepted back then. We had a next door neighbor who kept two boxers in a pen behind his garage in the city, summer and winter. We called the humane society several times when the temps dipped below freezing but nothing was ever done.

I think that statement "they're ready when they're ready" is true. I believe Amstel knew his time was coming. A few days before he passed my wife and son were in the living room watching TV and I was going to take him for his evening walk. He sat right in the middle of the room and stared at them, then started barking until they got up and came with us. That was the last "family walk" we went on with him and it wouldn't have happened if he wouldn't have done that (he'd never done it before). It's such a tough thing. We just bought a new house and will be moving out of the condo so we might consider getting another dog soon. Will you guys be ready soon?