Done it many times, never becomes less emotionally draining and painful. I had one great brindle pointer who made it to 16, after collapsing with a tumor at 13 which the vet successfully removed granting us a few more very good years. Her hunting life was over at 12 but she became the perfect house companion, guarding us against moths and spiders, at whom she would hold point till I called her down. She once held point on a beetle that was on a bathroom ceiling for 2 hours my wife said.

Other companions have been great Danes, pit bulls, borzoi, and mutts. Each one with a distinctive personality and a unique mien. I feel for ya, but you seem to know the score already, 19 is a helluva run.

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