Time

Zurf, I feel for you.  We are on our way to that same place with "my husband's" dog, Dozer.  My husband and I have been together for 10 years and Dozer was with him before I was... Dozer was his child... as my son also came with the deal.  Dozer was three when we got together, my son was four at the time.  My son is now turning into a young man while Dozer is VERY quickly turning into an old man.  He was still bursting with energy up until last summer.  It all seemed to hit at once.  I notice how quickly he has gone downhill since it hit last summer.  While he has always been "my husband's dog" he most certainly has been a HUGE part of this family and been a fantastic friend, playmate to all of our children, guardian of our home and more.  I do not envy you and am sad to see each day that passes and we come closer to the point you are at now.

Enjoy those few walks that are left... curl up on the floor with her if she can't curl up at your feet with you... God Bless and I pray that she may go peacefully in her sleep... as I hope Dozer does as well.  Who else will love you unconditionally even if you yell at them, leave them alone for 8 hours each day and they will always be happy to see you when you return, ready to play anytime you feel so inclined, be content eating the same meal day in and day out, listen to all your secrets and never ever tell another soul, love you despite ALL your faults and never once complain about them ...

I feel your pain. We're in a similar situation with my lab. She is "my only daughter" and she's getting along. It seems to happen so fast. She used to full of energy but now just wants to lay in the sun. She chase a ball once maybe twice where she used to play for hours. I told my wife she is the last dog we'll ever own as she was by far the best I've had the pleasure to own. It's always amazing how emotional a pet can make you feel. For me it's dogs, and mine's living her last months I fear as well.

These are all sad stories.  I have lost a few pets in my time.  I hate to go through it, even though I know it will ahppen some.  I hope for the best for all those going through this.

Zurf my friend ,
    Boy , you've touched on a spot ... We have two " kids " ... One is a spaniel cross named Charley and the other is a toy poodle named Edie ... We took Charley in as a puppy and aquired Edie when she was three ... They both turn fifteen this June and it's really hard seeing how the time has taken it's toll ... Edie has good and bad days , mostly good I have to say , but it seems like Charley's are mostly bad ... He is deaf , has cataracts , and a lot of joint problems , but seems happy most of the time ... We know that the time will come when that won't be the case and then it will be time for us to step up and do the right thing , but it won't be easy ... We have already picked out a spot in the back yard for them both and decided what we will have put on the marker stones , but boy there are sad days ahead ......................
                                                                                      Jerr

It's been a few days, but my grouchy old lady is on the back of the sofa barking at passersby, squirrels and phantasms.  She's blind from cataracts, so she's not above random barking just in case someone or something may be trying to walk near "her" lawn.  She can see well enough to know when another dog is passing by.  Or perhaps it's her powerful beagle's nose. 

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.  Though I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, it's an encouragement that we have so many in the same boat.  This is price we pay for the laughter and the cuddles.  Ivy dog has finally gotten over her pride at not being able to climb onto the bed any longer (despite the set of stairs I built her) and has started to permit us to lift her.  So, I once again have my foot warmers. 

As a puppy, we called her Schwarzenpuppy because of her extremely powerful physique.   It's amazing that though arthritis and age have stolen her power, and she has gained weight from general lethargy, that her muscles still ripple when she trots up the street.  She is roughly equivalent to a centenarian for humans, and yet her muscles ripple.  Would that I can be so strong. 

- Zurf