my akita pup 1989;Ralston Vet 84th took care Bro's old shih tzu. 5min away,didnt care if I had to go 5hrs away give her best care possible. Loved our Doc;said I'm Nakita's pet. Turning 8yro became iconic,Doc on vacation w/new Vet covering shifts. Real nice Guy asked typo Nakita turning 10yr? They called set-up appts&asked if we wanted reminder mailed? Getting older asked to see 3-4 mos&DIDNT CHARGE PER VISIT BUT YEAR. 3/4 time different Vets asked me they could meet her. Akita's days our numbered turning 10yro&showed no signs slowing down til shy 12th B-day. Heart enlarged w/water in lungs they treated&fine. Few mos later one morning was flat on Her stomach didnt want to move&15min later,Mom called ahead,back Bro's truck. 2blks away&in my arms sighed her last breath. Typo Vet curb waiting&Bro backing up I shook my head. They took care rest,said She was like theirs too:) Few ever make 11yr. There sooner may been 13yr? Be long time if ever I'd get another Dog,if I at all?--- Few yrs prior Bro's "Mitzi" 14,passed during Ice Storm Oct.'97. As lil mutt born came to Pet Store 8wks later day Bro just stopped to look came home w/KC. Didnt know suppose to be his&whether I liked it or not chose me. New Ralston in Sep.2013 before She turned 16 still spry as Hell&asked if there's vitamins/preventatives? Manner was "No&be waste time anyway if there was..." Loss of hearing&vision blurred but just as energetic as at 1yr overnight began to go downhill fast end Summer. Moments of dementia expected but back hips near shot had 17th B-day Oct.11&find out there's Cosequin. Or Dasuquin that had national survey w/Vets July 2012. I have Rabies appt. tomorrow 99% sure have put down&was this close pulling Ol' Yeller Xmas. Can't stand seeing like this&will come lean on me "Dad,what's wrong w/me can you Help?" I already told them we've got big issue. If those products are in their 250% mark up grocery store you may not have to read this cuz pry be on the news. I got her Glucosamine the day I was made aware of it but by then it was like putting band-aid on a fart. They already could have prevented most of what She's had to suffer. Groomer Jeannie I know&sure lot people know saw KC just before taking turn said WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF KC MADE IT TO 18 OR EVEN 20YRO KNOWS LESSER DOGS HAVE DONE IT. &JOKE IT'LL BE 30-50 W/HER SPIRIT=) I fell in love w/who the Vets were at Ralston;they would look at&see individual Spirit each animal. Had Nakita been around w/how they are now&after She turned 10yr,,,I'd take Her in due for shots&they'd bring back Bill for body disposal