My childhood dog (she was my 14th birthday present), Scarlett has been sick.  She had surgery last week and was not recovering well.  Due to her being old and overweight she is not recovering from being during an operation.  She has gone into kidney and liver failure but she is going to recover, with a little help.  We would not keep her alive if she would have to suffer.  When you are older and overweight and then go under, sometimes your body needs help getting back to normal.  Scarlett is going to have a few days of IV's and then she will be back barking at the neighbors in no time.  We appreciate everyones concerns and well wishes as she really is part of the family. 
Unfortunately we know this feeling all too well in the last few years.  We are glad that Scarlett is going to pull through.  Lately sick puppies have been a theme among our friends and we hope that this is the end of a really crappy theme.  Best Wishes to all and our favorite furry friends!!!!