Gransnet forums

Pets

Getting old

(7 Posts)
watermeadow Tue 09-Jan-18 17:43:18

My beloved Cavalier is ten and a half and six months ago she showed no signs of aging. Cavaliers are not a long lived breed as most have heart disease so I was delighted that Alice’s heart is sound.
In those six months Alice has gone deaf, her eyes have clouded, she has mammary tumours and now has an inner ear problem. For ten days she has been ill and miserable.
I’ve only had Alice for three years and hoped she would be adoring me and being adored for a long time more. I’ve cried buckets while she’s been ill then, this morning, she got up on steady legs and with wagging tail!
My darling is clearly feeling better and we’ve been for a little walk. Oh, what a relief!

OldMeg Tue 09-Jan-18 18:24:46

My old dog (16) has good days and bad days. More good days since the vet sorted out some medication. Today he started barking at me when I didn’t feed him on time. That’s always a good sign.

Hope Alice has more good days.

ginny Tue 09-Jan-18 18:47:29

DD1 has 2 Black labs. They will be 16 in April. Like Oldmegs dogs they have some days that they are not so good. However , most days they enjoy a gentle walk and both still enjoy their food.They have bought so much pleasure to all our family and are much loved.
Glad your dogs are doing ok.

newnanny Wed 18-Apr-18 14:22:19

Let's all hope Alice has lots of good days left in her yet.

Fennel Wed 18-Apr-18 19:46:18

I share your feelings, watermeadow.
Our border collie, aged 15, had gone stone deaf, spent most of the night running up and down stairs barking. Always seemed anxious, trying to find one of us by sniffing our tracks . But still enjoyed her food, and shorter walks.
Our vet diagnosed canine dementia - they seem to suffer from many of the same health problems as we do.
As we were due to move back from France to England it was a blessing in a way that she died peacefully 3 months ago. But I still miss her so much.
Thinking back, it was when she became deaf, this cut off one of her main means of contact with the outside world.
Sorry to sound negative. It's difficult to weigh up the importance of their quality of life.

mumofmadboys Thu 19-Apr-18 02:02:09

Our staffie is 14 and also deaf. She only enjoys food moderately these days and short walks only. Her main pleasure is finding a few chips near the F and C shop!! She used to always sit with us but nowadays she prefers to be in her basket in the kitchen. I hate her ageing!!

Anniebach Thu 19-Apr-18 08:28:58

I am so sorry you have been so distressed, know so well how you feel, enjoy this time with Alice X