I feel a bit guilty in asking for this frens, especially given the number of people who have humans in their lives with medical issues, but I'm going to ask anyway. I love my dogs dearly and those two have been a shining light in my life during some tough times the past few years. I have a 5 year old Australian Cattledog and a Landseer Newfoundland.

My 4 year old Newfoundland is experiencing discomfort and pain and three vets haven't been able to figure out why. His condition is deteriorating and we're going to be bringing him to the local university for an MRI soon. The concern is cancer.

He was the most difficult puppy I've ever raised. The first two years he didn't care about my love or approval and was borderline untrainable. Tough to admit for a guy that has trained over 30 dogs for other people as well as 8 of my own over the past 30 years.

Then suddenly at 2 years old, he decided that dad was a pretty okay guy that was not only worth listening to, but maybe worth loving as well. He's been my good boy ever since. 175lbs of furry, drooling love and companionship. He is the craziest, funniest, weirdest dog I've ever had the pleasure of owning and I love him dearly.

I am terribly worried I'm going to lose my boy. If any of you could spare a prayer or two for me tonight, I'd deeply appreciate it.