I had a 16 year old German Short hair pointer that recently lost on 3-20-17 to cancer. It was the hardest decision to make to let her go. She came from a shelter when she was 2 years old. I worked on a farm for a few years where she got to run free with me while I worked. I clocked her at 20 mph once as she raced me on my four wheeler. She also liked to go to the lake when she was younger. I had a boat at the time. She and I would ride out many evenings to watch the sunset. I don't think I will want to get another dog just yet. I still grieve. The house is so quite even though I have cats. I would like to take care of other people's dogs for a while. Nothing like a greeting from a dog. I'm not an expert but I do know how to love them. So, let me love your dogs while you have to be gone.