We are just trying to deal with what you did with your old golden. Our big blondie is 12.5 and going down that road also. Won't eat and has a bloody liquid stool which is never good and considering his age, really a bad sign. So, holding back tears (not too well) we are preparing to go to our good friend the local vet and learn what we suspect. He has been the King around here and as our only child (along with the cat) your post hit home. God blesses us with these wonderful friends and them with us.