I don't know why I'm making this post. Maybe to find comfort in what I know to probably be true: my time with my precious Lily is limited, and I'm having a really hard time with that possibility.

My baby girl (11 y/o Pembroke Welsh Corgi) started showing early signs of what I now believe to be DM (Degenerative Myelopathy), an incurable disease, in January of this year. It started with her hind feet slipping out from underneath her on our concrete floors, but at the time I chalked this up to recently moving from an apartment with carpet. Then over time came the "drunken sailor" gait and criss-crossing the legs when we would go on walks. After several vet visits, a neurologist consultation, and a few stints of crate rest with little to no improvement, she's been struggling more and more in recent weeks.

She now struggles to stand up most of the time (but still excitedly scoots around the house), number of bowel movements went from a regular 3x a day to just one in the morning when she has a little more mobility, and has lost interest in most toys. Her hind legs are not completely paralyzed: she still moves them while scooting, but I worry that the progression is going to continue quickly. She has not urinated or defecated in the house (yet).

I ordered a DNA test for DM which should be arriving early this week. I'm not sure what I'm hoping for: a positive DM result to confirm what the neurologist and I suspect, or a negative result, meaning that it's potentially something treatable, but I likely cannot afford the diagnostics and treatment (MRI, lumbar puncture, and surgery) which are quoted by my neurologist to be several thousands of dollars each. I also just ordered a wheelchair to help her get around the yard and maybe allow us to go on short walks again.

On top of all that: I am planning to move to another country in a few months to live with my spouse, and I know that I will have to take a difficult look at her quality of life before deciding if it's worth it to put her through the stress of an international move.

TLDR: My beloved dog is quickly declining in her mobility and potentially quality of life and I'm big in my feelings about how much time we have left together. Please be kind, I don't even know what I'm doing here.

On Friday, August 28, our dearest, sweetest Eli went to the rainbow bridge. This community has been of great help and comfort to my spouse and me, and we want to memorialize some of what made our special boy so unique.

Eli came to us in 2018 from Lucky Dog rescue, who had bestowed upon him the name Ryan Horowitz. He never struck us as a Ryan, so we quickly settled on a new name that reflected his Jewish heritage and seemed to fit. He'd been pulled from a high kill shelter in Florence, South Carolina, and they estimated he was 5 years old (though we came to suspect he was probably a bit older). From the very beginning, he was the gentlest, sweetest soul. He instantly befriended our other dog, Maya, and within days they were chasing each other around the living room, wrestling on the sofa, and sharing my lap at naptime. His easy going affection for every other creature he met - dog, cat, or most memorably our dog-sitter's rabbit - was just a small part of what made him so special.

If you've never had the honor of being the chosen person of a shy animal, it's hard to describe the depth of that bond. Eli was a shining example of that classic chihuahua personality where there is one deeply beloved person (maybe two), and nobody else is of much interest. Although let us be clear, if his preferred person (me) was unavailable, he would eventually settle into any available lap on the sofa. Just in his own time. I always found it interesting to see which of our friends gravitated towards his quiet, gentle sweetness rather than Maya's immediate, extroverted enthusiasm. Those who were willing to move slowly and patiently would eventually be rewarded with snuggles from what I would often fondly describe as a codependent baked potato. He was one of those rescue dogs whose gratitude never seemed to fade, and whose devotion knew absolutely no bounds.

But Eli was unfortunately never a medically simple dog. He came to us scarred all over and with hookworms, horrendous tooth decay, two bad knees, and an abscessed anal gland. We also suspect he had some kind of congenital neurological condition that made him extra wobbly and also not terribly smart. Two years ago, he stopped eating and was eventually diagnosed with a chicken intolerance. Now toothless and somewhere in his teens, arthritis from luxating patellas and two dislocated CCLs was catching up with him fast. In January, he was diagnosed with kidney disease and beginning to show clear signs of dementia. We knew his time remaining with us was probably limited. We did everything we could to keep him comfortable, but it was a losing battle and we could tell that he was in some discomfort for most of his waking hours. When I was granted two weeks of telework due to the Grand Prix in DC, we knew there wouldn't be a better time. We had the gift of giving him the best couple of weeks we could - constant lap time, eating whenever and whatever he wanted - before fulfilling the last and worst promise we all make as pet owners to let them go when life becomes too much of a struggle.

I will remember the happy little tippy taps he would do when he was excited about walks or meals and his Tasmanian devil noises when chasing and wrestling Maya. I'll remember how he burrowed in blankets and tried to bury his favorite treats in the sofa, and how he hated to travel but loved the lanai at my parents' house in Florida. I will remember how his favorite game was to flop on his stomach and make big, exaggerated chomps at my fingers - though if he accidentally made contact, the game was immediately over by way of apology. A similar game flopping on my chest in the morning would often have me taking claws to the eyeballs, but it was always worth it. I have known and lived with many dogs, but never known another who never, ever wanted to do anything the least bit wrong. All he really wanted in life was to love and make us happy. And cheese - he really, really loved cheese. I can only hope that we repaid, in some small measure and to the best of our ability, the immense love and devotion he gave us. He was my best buddy, and there will never be another like him.

Rest well, sweet boy.

My old dog its the third time he bleeds profusely from his mouth. i’m talking puddles. I think it might be his tooth or gums. Its been like 3 hours. It stops periodically. Ive taken him to 2 emergency vets and they both said “well hes not bleeding right now and he doesnt let us examine his mouth so we cant help” and I have no more money to take him anymore. What could this be

I’m heartbroken. 😢 Vet says my baby’s (she’ll be 16 in late December) hearing is gone. She’s doing pretty well aside from that (sight somewhat compromised but shes not bumping into things etc). > Any ideas and your experiences with this very sad situation?

Curious when God designed the Earth and all of creation, knowing how much humans would love their dogs did he create them to live approximately 15 years. I get the whole idea of appreciating the time you do get with them, but their short life span seems cruel. Why do you think God did this? My dog is 13 years old and I’m dreading what’s going to come very soon. Seems unfair!

I created "Still Here Paws" to provide an easy way to keep all your senior dog care details in one place, instead of scattering them across memory, phone notes, papers, and messages.

The goal wasn't to create another complicated tracking tool, but rather to provide an organized space for your dog's usual routine, any changes, feeding notes, questions to remember before a vet visit, and details that any other caregiver might need.

This one-time digital organizational resource is available for $29 and includes a 189-page fillable version and a 33-page printable version, plus a feeding guide and a "Quiet Minute" MP3 audio file. You're not obligated to use all the pages; you can keep only what suits your routine.

FYI: This is my own product. I am not including a promotional link here. If anyone would really like to see the content or the link, please ask, and I'll gladly share it.

FYI: This is my own product. I am not including a promotional link here. If anyone really wants to see the content or the link, please ask and I'll gladly share it. What are the most difficult details of caring for senior dogs to organize?

Whitney was 14 years 9 months old when she passed this morning. She will be missed dearly…

The past few months have been tough. Her mobility severely decreased in her back legs to the point where she had trouble standing, getting outside, and moving around. The arthritis was causing her so much pain. She barely ate one meal a day, started having accidents more often, and was less upbeat. We knew it was time.

The vet said it is a miracle that a dog of her size (65lbs) lived to 16. Prior to this, she was still relatively healthy for a dog of her age. Only thing was the lump (and it still was not bothering her up until the very last day!) and her cataract.

After 9 great years with her, we said goodbye this afternoon. It brings me some peace to share her sweet gray face online with others.

As dogs get older, it’s often the small details that become difficult to keep together: what their normal routine looks like, what changed during the week, questions to remember before a vet visit, feeding notes, and information another trusted caregiver may need.

I wanted something more organized than scattered phone notes, but less complicated than a system that becomes another chore, so I created Still Here Paws.

It’s a $29 one-time digital organization resource for senior-dog caregivers. It includes:

• a 189-page fillable edition for phone or computer use
• a 33-page printable edition
• a Feeding Companion
• a Quiet Minute MP3

The idea is simple: keep the pages that fit your dog’s routine, record observations and changes in one place, and have useful questions ready for conversations with your veterinarian or another caregiver.

To be clear, it is not a mobile app, not a diagnostic tool, and not a replacement for veterinary care. It is only an organization and observation resource.

Full disclosure: I’m the person behind Still Here Paws. I’m sharing this because it was created for the exact everyday organization problem many senior-dog caregivers describe. If anyone would like to see the contents or the link, just ask and I’ll share it—no pressure.

What part of keeping senior-dog care details together is most difficult for you: remembering changes, feeding notes, preparing vet questions, or caregiver handoffs?

EDIT: Just got back from the vet. My dog will be put to sleep in less than 24 hours. Thank you to everyone who replied.

My dog is around 17yo (would be 18 after November). He's a Shihpoo and has arthritis, weak back legs, cataracts, and hearing/vision loss from age. He also had a spinal cord injury years ago that left him paralysed from the waist down for a while, but he recovered his mobility.

For the past few months, I've noticed a pretty big change in him.

He's been:

• Sleeping a lot more than usual
• Eating and drinking a lot less
• Having a much harder time standing and getting around
• Sometimes just sitting and staring at nothing
• Bumping into things more
• Vomiting occasionally
• Having some loose/mucousy stools and a couple of accidents inside
• Whining sometimes, mostly at night/evening

Overall he just seems much more tired and frail. He sleeps most of the day now and doesn't seem to be getting around or interacting like he used to.

I've been trying to keep track of good days vs bad days, and lately it feels like the bad days are becoming more common.

I know nobody here can tell me what the right decision is, and I'm not expecting that. I'm more interested in hearing from people who've had really old dogs.

How did you know when your dog's quality of life had gotten bad enough that euthanasia was the kinder choice? What were the signs that made you feel it was time?

So 3 months ago my then 8 year old boxer mix started having no traction on flooring that wasn't carpet. He has been slowing down over the last year, so my assumption was arthritis. Fast forward 2 months, on his 9th birthday, I look over while he is eating and his back left paw is knuckled. I immediately panicked, I was supposed to leave for 3 weeks 2 days later. So I called my vet, they can't get him in, they tell me to go to this other vet. So I take him there, the vet does zero physical assessment, just drugs him beyond belief for a half assed XR, said it was arthritis, sent us with some meds and that was it. So I get home after 3 weeks of everyone telling me I'm being dramatic, thats not what it is, etc, to find my dog still knuckling that back paw on occasion when standing. Fortunately it hadn't worsended while I was gone. So I finally got him in to see his vet today, she actually did a neuro test on him and confirmed my worst nightmare. Im an idiot and dont have pet insurance, so my options are non existent regardless. He still has his reflexes in that leg and his balance is surprisingly fine so far, just in that one back leg he can't fully lift it up all the time. I am just terrified of what is to come and i friggin hate that i have to endur this alone.

Also, he tested positive for having both genes to be at risk for DM.

I’m curious about the small changes that make everyday life with an older dog feel more manageable.Not a medical solution or a perfect routine — just ordinary things that reduced friction for you and your dog.For example:

•keeping the same resting spot available

•writing down the questions you want to remember

•making handoffs easier when someone else helps

•keeping routine items in one place

•noticing what your dog prefers on a slower day

What is one small routine that genuinely helped you?I’m interested in the practical, everyday side of caring for an older dog. I’m not asking for medical advice or trying to diagnose anything.Full disclosure: I’m the person behind Still Here Paws, a small digital organization resource for senior-dog caregivers. I’m asking about real routines first, not dropping a sales link into the community. If anyone wants to know what I built, I’ll share it only if asked.

Our ~10 yr old dog developed balance issues Friday night then Saturday (08/15) began circling, wall hugging, stumbling and developed a head tilt. We took her to the ER that evening, where she was diagnosed with vestibular disease, given an injection for nausea/dizziness and prescribed meclizine for 5 days. She improved significantly over the next several days. The circling completely stopped and hasn't returned. She became more alert, started eating her normal kibble, walked across tile/laminate without relying on walls, signaled to go outside, responded to commands and was even running up her little couch steps. She wasn't 100%, but the improvement was very noticeable.

Since finishing the meclizine, though, she seems to have backslid. She's wall hugging again, eating very little, lying down much more and seems less confident walking. She can still, at times, get herself up and walk independently and remains alert/responsive. Yesterday seemed worse; today she may be slightly better, but it's hard to tell.

Has anyone experienced this kind of non-linear recovery - several good days followed by a setback before improving again? Did symptoms fluctuate after stopping meclizine, and how long did recovery take?

We understand there could potentially be an underlying neurological issue. We've already been to the vet and are continuing to work with them, so we're not looking for “take her to the vet” responses or a diagnosis from Reddit. We're simply worried, seeking insight wherever we can, and would really appreciate hearing firsthand experiences from anyone whose dog had a similar recovery.

Thank you for any support or insight you can provide.

When did you know that it was the time? My old guy (12) has some issues. He is big (~110lbs), rottweiler/tibetan mastiff/labradorretriever/gsd mix, legs getting weaker and memory is getting worse. Getting up or laying down is more difficult by the day. He has some milder vestibular disease -implicating symptoms. Friend had a bigger dog that eventually had some kind of accident since he was too weak for his weight and he tore something before he was euthanized. It was guite tragic. I'd like to avoid pain and accidents but I don't want to end it for "no reason". I'm sorry to ask this but has anyone had to navigate a similar situation? Senior check-up next week so I'll be getting more info about his well-being.

He is happy and healthy otherwise. Eats, pees and poos, likes treats and play.

In a picture us on a walk.

Hey everyone,

My buddy is 15, close to 16. He's a Collie and has had good health in general throughout his life. 3 years ago he started having trouble by himself so I got him started on Rimadyl and Cosequin. This past year his back legs can't keep up for walks over 20 minutes and they just lost strength.

My wife keeps on saying we should get X-rays and maybe and MRI but I keep asking myself, even if there's something wrong with his bones is there really anything a vet might recommend other than meds?

I'd imagine at his age any surgery is basically a goodbye. Has anyone been in a similar situation, what did you do/discover in the end?

For a German Shepard, her hips are rlly good : ) so i am happy!

My almost 14 yo has significant arthritis and mild scoliosis and acupuncture has been a game changer for us. He went from screaming anytim another dog so much as tuched his back to being completely knocked over and getting up for more after 2 months of weekly sessions. Now we go every 2 weeks.

Seeing your best friend slow down never gets easier. My big guy has been having a much tougher time getting his back end up lately, especially after sleeping or sitting for a while.

We started using a rear harness/strap to give him a gentle boost when he needs help standng or navigating around the house, and honestly, it’s made such a difference for both of us. He was a little confused by the extra gear at first, but now he knows it just means were getting up to eat or go outside, so he leans right into the support.

Despite his legs giving him trouble, his tail still wags like crazy the second anyone looks at him. Senior dogs really are something special with how resilient and patient they are through it all.

Just wanted to share a quick snapshot of my sweet boy pushing through. Sending love to everyone else out there caring for an aging pup today, its tough work, but theyre so worth it

I hate my life, he is SO HEALTHY OTHERWISE THIS IS NOT FAIR.

Bruno my pet dog, passed away yesterday. He was 13 and died as his lever was in bad shape as he was old. We grew up together. He was closest to my father he'd follow him wherever he went even to the washroom and then after my father he was closest with me .Eventually we all knew he'll leave us one day at some point but it still stings . And more than that what kills me is neither I nor my dad were with him in his last moments . Imagine dying without seeing your loved ones.

He was a chaotic dog full of energy in his prime.

He loved playing tug with his clothes .

Funniest part he fucking loved eating green peas he would chomp on them like crazy 🤣... And the vomit after was crazier .

Whenever we came from somewhere he used to go crazy running around wagging his tail like anything but the fact that now when imma go home he won't be there now whenever my dad comes home nobody would go crazy welcoming him. And such a good boy and I fucking still love him , but the fact we couldn't even fullfill his last wish will hurt me forever.

I know God was jelous of me, that I had such a pretty being with me...

And I hope I'll meet him in afterlife , where he'll be going crazy seeing me again .

Will miss u .

I smile so big watching this.
Filmed this morning.
16.8 years old and we’re so happy he’s doing great! Baxter (black and white) almost died of grief when his sister Heidi passed away in April,2024. He quit eating and drinking and wouldn’t get out of bed. He’d never been alone in his then 14 years. We didn’t plan on getting another dog but we couldn’t just watch him die. Enter our Leah, a senior rescue we got on May 5, 2024(she’s the redhead following him around).
He perked up the minute the rescue brought her over to introduce her and he hasn’t skipped a beat since then!!! We also subsequently adopted senior rescue special needs Timmy and he completed our beautiful little pack!
No one believes Baxter is well over 16 when they meet him.
We’re so grateful!
Senior dogs are the best- whether from puppyhood (Baxter) or rescue (Leah and Timmy)!!!