I have had my Lhasa Apso for as long as I can remember. He is included in some of my very first memories. I have had him almost my whole life. My parents go him for my when I was maybe four or five years old, after my very first dog was brutally killed by my neighbors part wolf. He was always there when I needed him. When I had a hard day at school and I was upset he would curl up on my lap and I would pet him for the longest time. When we moved to Tennessee about nine years ago, my parents wanted to give him away. I begged and pleaded to keep him and that's what I got. He lived to be what I believe to be eighteen years, very long lived for any dog. In his last years he became progressively worse, and in the last few weeks..he was completely deaf and almost if not completely blind. He would lose function in his legs. He would defecate or urinate and lay in it because he was too weak to move. I regret to say that in his last years and weeks I did not give him nearly the attention that he needed, that he deserved. I also regret not getting up the nerve to take him to the vet and having him put down much sooner before he got so bad. In his last days we knew he was dying..he didn't even move but just laid on a blanket and slept almost constantly. My stepfather took him outside and shot him with a .22 rifle..he didn't even move, didn't make a sound, nothing. I could never had imagined the pain that I am feeling, I miss him so much. But more than that, I wish I would have treated him like a king in the end, and I will regret that neglect for the rest of my days. Goodbye my dear friend, I miss you every moment of every day, and I am sincerely sorry that I did not give you the attention that you deserved in your last days on this earth. You're in a better place now, no longer suffering the pain of your ancient mortal body...