Love the name Brat!
I know how that feels to have to make the call on that, and it's the worst thing ever. My amazing Golden Retriever, Bud, got cancer and went down hill so fast that we had to put him to sleep about a week after we found out. He was suffering though, and it was good to help him to be free of his pain. He was only 9 at the time. It took me 5 years to get another dog, and I wish I hadn't waited so long. I just couldn't bring myself to do it sooner than that. We finally got another Golden Retriever who will be 11 on Thanksgiving, and have a 2 1/2 year old Lab. When either of them goes, I'll be looking for another dog right away. It takes some of the pain away by getting another one, and it was a huge help to me when we finally got Maggie. She's getting old, and we're not sure how long she'll be with us. We just can't imagine life without her though, so we hope she has a few good years left.
My Mom got a Chihuahua puppy back in January, and she has been the funniest puppy I've seen in ages! She is a typical Chihuahua, but she is priceless! Here is a little video I made of her the day she came home. It will make you smile! My Mom is the one laughing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...