I finally let go and put Kohle to sleep. The vet was very humane. She gave him a sleeping shot and I got to spend time alone talking to him for 5 or so minutes then she came in and put him to sleep. I believe he suffered from kidney disease. His kidneys were unusually small to begin with. No matter how much he ate he was losing weight.
Got him flown from NY the best herding trainer in the US. He came from top lines in the US working shepherds that do schutzhund. We used to swim in the ocean together, I threw the tennis balls he swam after it while I held his leash getting a free ride. He loved riding the waves. He went to obedience classes and got his CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
I don't know how to go on without him. My all black shadow. Followed me everywhere. I made one appt. then his companion dog Leela let out a most hair raising scream at 3 am that night. The last thing out of her mouth was "NO" swear. I canceled the appt. She's depressed too. The price of life is death. I'll miss him forever.