I haven’t had to experience a dog dying yet. However, my oldest dog is an 11 year old golden retriever who is in good health. (He still loves to run and play.) However, I know I shouldn’t expect too many more years out of him and it makes me really sad to think about not having him anymore. I also worry about the hierarchy of my other three dogs, since he’s always been the alpha.So anyway, here are my questions:
-Have you ever had a dog that has died? Or more than one?
-What did he or she die of?
-How did you handle the situation? (Emotionally and also what care did you give the dog if you knew that he or she was going to die?)
-Have you ever gotten some sort of deceased dog memento, like an urn for their ashes or a special picture frame sort of thing?
-If you have multiple dogs, how did the others handle it?
Sorry if this question is touchy for people who recently have lost a pet. 
I guess this question wasn’t the best question to ask, now I feel so sad.
I had 2 dogs put to sleep at the same time due to separation anxiety, I was real young at the time and it was my mother’s decision, I wish she would have hired a dog trainer to work through it, but she couldn’t afford replacing carpet and molding anymore. I was devastated, as to be expected. I actually locked myself in my room for a few days and refused to eat or talk to anyone. (I was visiting my father when my mom called to tell me she was on her way to the vet that moment to put them to sleep, she refused to wait the hour it would take for me to get to the vet to say good-bye to them.) She did get molds of their paw prints from the vet tech’s, and we hung them up in our living room, I also kept their leashes, collars, and favorite toys for memories.
Losing a pet is hard in so many different ways. Preparing yourself for it is the most you can do at the moment, if he is still healthy and romping around, then I would think he has a couple good years left. I wouldn’t worry until the vet says so. If your other dogs are close to him, then it is possible they could get depressed for a time. It isn’t unheard of these days. The best thing to do for your dog is to live in the now. Let them mourn for a few days, but you have to let them move on. Don’t break your routine or any habits you have with them, it will make it easier for them, and also for you.
I hope your Goldie has good healthy years ahead of him! Good luck!