How old are your dogs?

[MichelleMc]

Today I took some pictures of my 14 year old German Shepherd. I was so happy and proud about how good he looks. Then I made the mistake of reading some stories about having to put your dog down. I just had to go through this with my dog last year. He had cancer. I also have a dog now that has cancer. I have for dogs in total. I made the mistake of getting them all very close in age. Now they're just kind of dying off one after the other. I am especially close to my oldest German Shepherd. These pictures are bittersweet. he looks pretty good for his age but yet they still remind me that he is very old. He has a little bit of trouble climbing the back stairs but he can still do it. he still jumps in the car to go for a ride. He can jump up on the bed,but sometimes he needs a little bit a help. If someone knocks on the door it's like he's two again. he Springs up from the couch and runs straight to the door barking. He doesn't like to run around and play much anymore. But he does like to play with our little puggle. he can lay down and play with the puggle using only his mouth and paws. He still likes to patrol the backyard and bark.The only real thing that I've seen that is troubling to me is that occasionally when he tries to jump into the car his back legs give out and he falls. this absolutely breaks my heart. But it does not happen often. And sometimes now I give is butt a little boost up to help him out.he groans sometimes when he gets up and down. But then so do I I'm not really sure why I decided to write this. I guess I just needed to talk to someone about it.
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[angelas]

My old Shih Tzu is 13. I know soon I will have to consider her quality of life but for now, she's as bossy as ever and not displaying any signs of pain.

[Sunflowers]

Welcome!
He looks fantastic for a senior gentleman-- look at those eyes!
Seriously, he looks much younger than 14. If you would have had me guess I would've said maybe eight or nine.
Bless you or taking such good care of him. He looks like a very sweet boy.

[Loneforce]

He is in very good shape for 14yr old. I hope you get many more years from him.

[MichelleMc]

Thanks guys. He didn't go grey until he was about 10. You can tell his age in person. The way he walks. He's stiff and trots instead of running. His eyes look really old mosty of the time. The pics of him was when he heard a sound. But yes he is in pretty good shape for his age. I just love him so much, I can't stand the thought of losing him.

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[Jax08]

He looks fantastic! Our oldest Boxer didn't really grey until she was older than 10. And our current 10 yr old looks like she's 5 (unless the previous owner lied and she really is about 5).

Banshee - 13 yr, 3 months
Chaos - 10 yr (exact unknown)
Sierra - 6 yr, 10 months
Jax - 5 yr, 3 months

[Fade2Black]

He looks great for 14. Never would have guessed he's that old....

[Fade2Black]

^^^

Forgot I have a 9 year 7 month old Kaos. Plus a new puppy Havoc born Dec. 22....

I really think my last GSD Genesis could have made it to 14 had it not been for DM taking him at 11 years 7 months. After he was diagnosed at 10 he could still run my neighbors 4 year old GSD into the ground. They would chase each other separated by a fence.......

[Gharrissc]

My Cattle Dog Saba is 10 and Casja is 2. The foster dogs range in ages 2 years to 7 years. Your dog looks wonderful for his age!

[vicky2200]

Dakota is our oldest. He will be 9 in just over a week. He is a big boy, so 9 is old. When he was a puppy, we figured we would be lucky if he made it to 10. As he aged, we discovered he has hip dysplasia, arthritis, and epilepsy. We then figured he wouldn't make it to 8. When he was 6, he got worse and we were sure we would have to put him to sleep, but he got better. Today, he seems healthier than ever. I try to tell myself not to let that fool me, because he could take a turn for the worse at any time, but I am enjoying his new found youth/peppiness. He has never had it.

Ditto would be the second oldest and she will be 5 next month. That isn't very old, but she is a large shepherd, so I am hoping for 12, but expecting 10. It is sad to think that realistically she could be over halfway through her life.

Daisy is almost 4. I expect that she should live a long life. She is only 47lbs and has been pretty healthy. Anything can happen though.

Weegee is almost a year and a half old. Time flies way too quickly! Since he is 9lbs, he should be around for a long time.

You never know what will happen so you have to spend as much time with them as you can and appreciate what time you have.