I would get another opinion...although the fact they are not pushing for major costly surgery is always a plus...for me it means they are looking out for the dog more than their pocketbooks. However, as being someone that lives with "soft tissue damage" in both my right shoulder and my left hip, being in constant pain is exhausting and not a lot of fun. If the tear is causing your dog low level pain then that is not good either. I would read up as much as I can on the internet and in the library, get a second opinion from another vet and watch your dog...Bucky will let you know what he needs. Losing weight will certainly help I am sure.

Denyce