Thank you so much for your reply. I remember your previous comments on your baby and am sorry that you had to make that hard decision. Orlando is able to boost his upper body up, which is a help, and then wait for me to use the harness to lift him in the rear. Once he is up, he can walk a few steps and with a harness he can be assisted to walk a little further. He made one valiant attempt to stand up when I was in the shower and when I came out he was up, but too exhausted to move. At this point, we have reached a management "agreement" where he knows that he needs help and I am ready to help him, so it is somewhat like my first GSD. I will call the vet on Monday and let you know what I find out.