It is always a difficult thing.
Getting older.
Not only is it hard for us, but it is hard for us to watch our beloved pets age.
Madison, aka Mad Dog, is 8 1/2 years old.
We have been making comments for a while now that she is getting old.
She has had trouble going up stairs off and on for a couple years. Mostly it happens in the wintertime, last winter my husband actually had to carry her up the stairs several times. But sometimes just at the end of a normal day you can see her struggling with steps. (Good thing in our new home she won't really have to go up steps if she can't.)
Last year she developed a bladder problem. She leaks. She would be just lying on the hardwood and you would look and see a puddle by her tush. She always has been excellent at holding her bladder and not going in the house, but she is no longer there. We did take her to the vet for this last year and it was not an infection or anything - they gave us some medication that is supposed to help with this and I try to remember to give it to her twice a day, but sometimes forget.
She is beginning to get defiant. Or stubborn. Or just doesn't give a damn what the rules are anymore - mostly when we are not home.
If a door was even slightly shut before she would not try to open it. Now if it isn't latched, she will get in.
She has not been allowed on our bed since she was a pup. Now, if we have not latched our bedroom door shut (see above issue) then we find dog hair on our bed.
And the other night it wasn't just dog hair.... I went to go to bed after a long day and started to pull the covers back and slide my feet underneath when they touched something wet. Yup. She had her bladder issue on my bed. (And on my side to boot!) So then I had to strip the bed and clean up - it went through the comforter, both sheets and my mattress pad. That meant I had to clean the mattress too. Ugh.
I try to remember that when she is gone how much we will miss her
I know she isn't dying or close to dying. (Heck, she will probably live until she is 20) But she is getting older. And it is sad to watch your family members age.
11 Comments (A Penny For Your Thoughts!):
Our 15yo Lab passed away this summer, so I completely understand how you're feeing about Mad Dog. These pets are so much a part of our families and it is hard to see them struggle.
(visiting via PYHO)
for her joints, have you thought of Cosequin?
is she part Char-Pei??
did they give you a reason for the "leaking"?
just curious
Oh, this is so making me tear up. It's so hard when they age...both on them and on the family. I'm sorry it's getting harder. (HUGS)
Yes, it is so hard. My Dixie Dog (longhaired dachshund) was 14 when she died in Sept of 09. She had congestive heart failure so was on medication that caused her to have to go a lot. And she went on my bed too and the couch. Letting her go was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do in my life. Hopefully, at 8 and a half, your four legged family member has some good years left. I've never understood why we can't figure out how to make dogs live longer...
Our pets become such a big part of our family. It's so hard too watch them age.
I hope you can find something to help Mad Dog so you can have a few more years together.
I remember watching our family dog age. It was so hard when he stopped being able to do things on his own.
Aw, Mad Dog! :(
This is something else that holds me back from getting a dog for the boys... I worry about what happens later.
aww...and she is just beautiful too! our dog is getting up there as well and i have started to notice her stubborn ways as she has gotten older.
That's so hard to see. I hope she does live until she is 20!
It is hard. I hope that she has many years ahead of her!
It's been 13 years since my beloved childhood chocolate lab passed away, but I can still remember the pain of it very clearly. In the end, she was very ill and we chose to put her to sleep so she wouldn't suffer. As hard as it was (it was the first time I'd ever seen my dad cry), I remember how difficult it had been watching her struggle to get around as she got older and her arthritis got worse.
It's very hard. I'm sorry she's having some troubles and hope she still has a long, happy life ahead of her. She's obviously well-loved.
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