...My in-laws have got a dog;name is Gizmo-a shih-tzu,about 14 years old...Recently he started coughing and hacking-they took him to a vet near them;they told him his lungs were breaking down;but his heart is ok-gave him some pills;but he still had coughing problems...SO:my father in law is taking him to their personal vet 150 miles away from them;this vet will tell them straight out the prognosis...I am afraid they might take him back home not the same way that he went;if ya know what I meanThis dog was rescued from the Humane Society by my mother in law;and they are inseparable...The last time I saw her,she was concerned for his fufure...I told her:"look at it this way-before you got him;he was abused terribly...Since you have had him;he has had probably the best years of his life-However long he has,you can be assured you are doing the LORDs work by loving him,and taking care of him the way you do"...He is such a great dog;loves everybody,and will howl up a storm at the drop of a hat...October 1st or 2nd he goes to the vets-PLEASE,Pray for Gizmo the loving dog,and for my in-laws,Carl and Bonnie,who may have to do one of the hardest things a pet owner is sometimes faced withI will let you know how it turns out as soon as I know...