I agree!! This is usually not the type of condition that warrants an immediate life or death decision. It is more a matter of getting the diagnosis and deciding upon a course of treatment, usually one or two relatively inexpensive medications that can be purchased over the counter, limited, moderate exercise and comfortable bedding. The vet will be able to give you the names of the drugs and a dosage based on Dasher's weight. Even a daily "coated" aspirin would bring him some relief. Please ask your Dad to reconsider! This is a VERY treatable, quite common condition in larger breed dogs!!! Please let us know how Dasher is doing.