My dach sleeps on my right shoulder each night. She'll be 10 this Fall, and had a broken leg and surgery to plate it back together maybe 8 or 9 years ago, and just this past year had another surgery for a 'crick' in her neck. I said "NO", but my wife did it anyway, and she's acted years younger since (the dog has, anyway). I try not to think much about it, but do know it hurts when the time comes.
Hope you get better, and hope you live long enough to find another best friend like that, too. They are good for the soul.
