Dear ANP, is Dad having Hospice Care? There are things he can take for agitation. Never heard of the black band but I know that for a couple of weeks Teddy was picking at sheets, slept more, ate less and generally got much weaker. I do believe that animals know something, but that is my opinion. I also feel it is so important to let Dad know that its OK to go to his Peace and that you will all be OK. As Shari said it sounds like a hard thing to do but it really is not and once you say it, it will be easier the next time and somehow telling him that gives you the sense you are helping him make his journey.