We have a Golden (Jake) that will be 13 this year. He has been a great dog and he too also has some of those lumps on him. We thought we were going to have to put him down this past Saturday. On Friday, he would not get up at all - my DH finally got him up and then when I got home from work he still would not get up to go outside. I called my DH and he was dreading coming home as he knew what the options might be. He had to carry Jake outside and he was up for a bit. So, we warned the kids and told them that we might need to put him down the next day depending on how he was.
Well, the next day he was up and around but still not like he used to be. He is still having a hard time getting up and walking and has fallen down the steps a few times. My DH brought him to the Vet today and the vet said it could be a muscle problem and gave him some pills to take. We should know in a few days if they are working. If not, then we will have to put him down. It will be a very sad day. I have never had to do anything like this before but also don't want him to be in pain. My DH is going to be devastated - that dog is his buddy.
So, I guess we just have to wait and see what happens the next few days. I really wish he would just die in his sleep....