Well I made this ride last as long as possible. He made it to 12 but yesterday my best buddy Ruger went down and would not get back up. I could not let him suffer and I am glad to say he never did. Thanks to modern medicine we got to have him around at least an extra year. The family was with him when they put him down and it had to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I would give an arm or a leg to give him another year but that is what you get when you are given the privilege of having a great dog like Ruger. He was such a part of our life. Always there to get in between fights a true peacemaker. Always first down the stairs when there were bumps in the night. Always the first to get to my daughters room when she had a nightmare and wake her up. Made sure I didn't spend to much time on the computer and more time with family with a few firm nudges to my arm. When my daughter was 2 she ran out of the house and we thought she was hiding but a neighbor came to the door and said that my daughter and dog where outside and no one could get near her because he wouldn't let anyone touch her. He was playful and happy up to the day. Rest in peace Ruger, I hope I am good enough in this life to go for walks in the next life. We love you Ruger.