Brewster seems very happy to be in a communal environment filled with genuine care for his overall well being.

BH

I think that pain is the most obvious guideline when it comes to assessing where an animal is in transitioning from life to the next level. But I believe that offering Brewster an environment founded on traditional hostice principles, that surrounds him with comfort, care, attention and reassuring familiarity is the best medicine you can offer him right now. Inspitational colors, gentle noise (music, laughter, soothing sounds) have eased pain in humans and animals for thousands of years and have been helpful in situations involving lingering illness, death and dying. Pain management, under the advice of a veterinarian familiar with the animal's needs, is an obvious compliment to your actions.

Just being near Brewster, in a supportive, quiet manner, encouraging him in his journey, reassuring him that it's O.K. to move on, and that he will be met by spiritual helpers in the next world to which he is traveling, may be the next step you can incorporate into his care.

If he's struggling now or his pain has obviously intensified, perhaps you can help him towards that needed release with an understanding vet's assistance? I think the most important thing you have been doing is to surround him with love and hopefully he'll know when to let go and give himself over to the final step.

Perhaps one way also to "judge" if Brewster or any pet is in pain is when they seem to want to be "closer to you"
for companionship or follow you everywhere like a shadow simply to be near you and in this way, asking for your help.
One day a few years back, my dog had been full of energy from playing outside and when called to come inside, dashed up onto my deck and "crashed" into the screen door as I was opening it. He seemed to be alright and didn't whimper, etc. However, he began to stay by my side, following me everywhere and looking to me for "something". I took him to the vet to discover that he HAD strained his neck and probably had, according to the vet, one heck of a headache. Ever since, this has been a way for me to know if he's not feeling well.
I forgot to mention above that I had adopted my dog when he was 2 so it took me a while before I knew how he behaved or reacted to things.
The dog I had before him that I'd had from a puppy would react to his pain by suddenly dashing across a room as if trying to "escape" the pain he'd experienced.

In Brewster's case I have been told to watch for more anti social behavior. As he gets sicker, he will distance himself more from us.
Here is my experience.
Dogs invovled in trauma type pain, like a car accident, will bolt. Some dogs like Pats, come to us to "make it all better." But a dog in constant debilitating pain, will seek less and less attention.

Goldens are velcro dogs they follow you around anyway.
It was explained to me that dogs perceive pain in a different way then us human do.
If he starts getting growly-i would worry.
cyndi