I hate this part

[SarahHound]

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug...like Rimadyl or Duramaxx. Like I said I don't really like them, but if I was nearing the point where mobility is becoming a serious issue, I would probably go with that. It's not something I would consider if the dog could possibly live a year or more in their current condition.
http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/arthritis-pets/NSAIDS-rimadyl-pets.html

Ah, thank you. I have heard of Rimadyl. He's nowhere near that stage but its something to keep in mind.

 

[mkj2013]

I have these thoughts too, and my girl is still very young. But we can't dwell on them, just appreciate every moment you have, and soak up all his love you can! I always remind myself- Dogs live day to day, we really should follow their lead more

 

[StillandSilent]

I was noticing how grey Argon's getting when we were at Petsmart last night. Can he really be 8 1/2? Yesterday his litter was in the shelter, looking like 10 little praying mantises attacking a long suffering basset hound mother.

I can't wait for Gambit to get a little older and outgrow the teenager brat phase.

 

[Kimbers]

I know exactly how you feel. Schaffer's ten or eleven now. Not really old, but he'd definitely slowed down the past few months-ish, and it's especially emphasized when you're watching a little puppy grow up right beside him.

At the same time, I think it's important to remember they've just slowed down at this age, but they still love life with the same passion as before. (For the most part. From your pictures, I'd assume that's still the case with Todd, though.)

 

[Doberluv]

I know...it sucks. I've gone through this so many times, I can't believe I keep getting more dogs. One of mine is also beginning to have old age problems, like a cataract in one eye. It's so hard to be forced to look at the near future and what it might bring for our dogs....very hard. I'm really sorry you're feeling this dread too. I guess the best thing to do is try to concentrate on the good parts and put off worrying for later. It just doesn't do any good and keeps you from being able to really enjoy them now. There are some good things about the oldsters. They're usually more civilized, very well behaved, more in the know about so many things. I really enjoy the older dogs all except for those old age health problems that make us feel so badly. Hang in there.