I have a 15 yr old Aussie, who has arthritis.?

there are companies that will cremate your pet for you and provide him back to you in a nice earn. better than having the vet sell him to someone that will chuck him in an incinerator or put him in dog food. (this is no lie, gross and foul but true)

here in GA there is a place called www.pawswhiskersandwags.com that is a very caring and compasionate crematory. I would look into something of the like so you are prepared when the time comes.

I wouldn't send my blue aussie boy out in any other way.

Giddy talk to your vet as they will have an ans. to your question. I know it is not something any of us want to think of but not much different than having some things as a human worked out before the grief hits. My previous GSD had arthritis in the spine and when the time came and I had to leave the clinic without him my vet took care of the rest. Got his ashes back in a beautiful etched wooden box. Sorry for what you are going thru as I know from experience it is among the hardest things in life to go thru. Be strong for the sake of your friend.

It's not terrible to find out ahead of time - you need to know.

For now, consider a belly band for the pee -

http://www.puppybellybands.com/index.php?main_page...

Here is a place that will cremate your dog's remains for you - you would simply call them, and they will pick him up. If your dog dies at home, the vet doesn't need to be involved.

http://www.petcemetery.org/

I agree with you that it isn't quite time yet - there will likely come a day, though, when you will need to trundle your dog into the vet on morning. He will tell you.

You can ask for his ashes back, and then decide where to scatter them- there will be some place that comes to mind, that you both loved best.

You can take him to the vet and they can take care of his body. You can even take him there and get him cremated and keep his ashes but that cost.