We put heart and soul into a dog, and it's heartbreaking to face the reality of debilitating illness. A reminder, we should be particularily vigilant with regards to hip score, elbows, retina, EIC, all issues that affect our popular gundog breeds. I see ads constantly for pups by breeders who have bred a bitch or dog under 2 with "preliminary" OFA scores. Don't be fooled, as dogs mature hip scores tend to get worse, deviation from the norm more pronounced, with added weight, and excercise, wear and tear. That's why permanent OFA scores are at 2, and advise against breeding dogs under that age. Ironically these same breeders will make you sign a puppy contract that prohibits you from doing the same thing, but offer to take the dog back, and replace it, if it has health issues. Right, after two years as a member of the family, sending the dog back is a real appealing option, both emotionally and financially. So do your homework, ask embarrassing questions, dig into the pedigree for hereditary problems. Meanwhile enjoy the company of your faithful friend, it's not his or her fault, as usual it's man who let down the dog, not the other way around.