Page 2 | My little dog is getting old

TheQuirkyMaker · 2025-12-06T09:31:54+00:00

Golden/border collie cross. Always told how beautiful she was. Used to go for walks for hours on Dorset heaths. Now her back legs are collapsing. Not asking for advice, but asking: why do we set ourselves up for such heartbreak?

CrazyGoatLady · 07/12/2025 00:08

We had to let our elderly Border JRT x go earlier this week. I'm sorry, it's so hard seeing them grow weaker and knowing the end is coming.

The reason we have them despite the heartache of them always leaving us too soon is because while they're with us, we get to experience pure, unconditional love. Well loved and contented dogs live in the moment, they don't know regret or shame, or worry for the future. They enjoy the simplest things we do with them without agenda. Maybe they let us experience what it's like to live in the present too.

In the pain letting them go, animal companions teach us about the impermanence of all things, and that suffering and loss are as much part of the human condition as joy and happiness. We can't live a full life when we avoid one side of the coin. And when we open our lives to another animal companion, they teach us that our capacity for love does not have limits despite our losses.

user1471453601 · 07/12/2025 00:10

Why do we set ourselves up for this hurt? Well in my view the reason is pretty simple.

I would never forgo the love I've had for my dogs in my lifetime. I've loved and cared for them all, and strived to give them the best life I could. In return I cannot even begin to tell you the many hours of happiness they have all given to me.

the pain we feel when they die, is just a crude measure of our love for them.

we live them, and if we are lucky, they live us. That's a gift that cannot be measured.

YeOldeGreyhound · 07/12/2025 00:22

Aw
It is hard. I have an ancient greyhound, she is pushing 16 which is an amazing age. But she is frail, and can't do things like climb the stairs anymore. I take her up to bed with me. She has slept on my bed since she was 4 months old.
Dogs get old and they can do less, and we have to do more for them. Much like elderly people I guess.
When the balance has tipped so much, that is when we have to make that awful call to the vet.

We do it because they bring so much to our lives. We learn so much from them.

abracadabra1980 · 07/12/2025 00:25

The heartbreak we feel is purely a result of the amount of love we have for them. Stay strong OP 🤗

Sunflower459 · 07/12/2025 00:30

I don’t know what to say by way of comfort, OP. I live in dread of when my little one isn’t here any more. I don’t know how I’ll cope. I don’t know how my partner will cope. He’s our world.

JustMerelyHere · 07/12/2025 00:34

HoppityBun · 06/12/2025 23:57

Try https://www.borrowmydoggy.com

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I was going to say this. I found my best friend though that site. Originally had her a day a week and holidays, gradually more. The owners were getting a divorce and neither were going to areas that were great for a dog so she ended up with me full time. That was 8 years ago and she's now 12 and also getting older. She still likes to jump out of the car but now sometimes look down the up and me and I know she wants me to lift her. She has various health issues but still enjoys her life and will always be my best friend.

CheeseIsMyIdol · 07/12/2025 02:15

Buzzlightfear · 06/12/2025 09:38

I know what you mean op, our greyhound is 12 and this week has stopped being able to manage the stairs. It feels like the beginning of the end.

He's always slept upstairs with us and although he's adapted really well to sleeping downstairs I feel like his world has shrunk (we have a small house) and I just feel very sad for him.

I'm trying to be positive though and think what a lovely life he's had and how much joy he's brought to our lives (whilst also trying not to write him off just yet!)

Can you sleep downstairs with him?

SugarPlumpFairyCakes · 07/12/2025 06:06

Bryonyberries · 06/12/2025 09:43

We lost our old girl last year and the last few months you could see her starting to show her age. In the last couple weeks it was clear we had to pts but it was a sad decision to need to make.

I have got another dog, we got him when my old dog was about 9 because I didn’t want to have an empty house or feel I was replacing the old dog when she went. He is now 7 himself! I’m not sure I’ll get another though as I’m getting older too.

It’s so hard. So sorry for your loss.

What signs, may I ask?

Rowgtfc72 · 07/12/2025 06:51

Both my jack Russells lived to 16. After the last one was pts I said no more. Three year old dachsund is currently snoring next to me. We've discussed getting another one in a couple of years......
Jack Russells have their own rules. And definitely no recall😁

SilverTotoro · 07/12/2025 07:08

Sending hugs to you OP. Our rescue terrier is getting on now and I feel so sad thinking how much longer we’ll get with her. But she’s brings us so much joy and love getting her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I just try to make sure I cherish the time we have with her. It’s the worst part of having a dog that we don’t get longer with them.

DinoLil · 07/12/2025 07:38

Awww it is just so heartbreaking. My previous rescue was pts just after covid, it was like he wanted to keep me company through the lockdowns and then his job was done. I swore I'd never get another dog...

A year ago, I rehomed an 8yr old knowing, at the back of my mind, I wouldn't have her for long. She's had a horrible past and I'm hoping she's enjoying her retirement, although she's been in the vets more this year than my other dog in his life! Yesterday was the latest incident. Earlier in the year, she was an hour from being pts but rallied.

But dogs are just the best company. They get us out of the house, they don't judge and they make us laugh with their antics. @TheQuirkyMakeryour dog loves you as much as you love them, they don't live very long because they pack all that love in their lifetime where, for humans, it can take us 80yrs.

Idontknowhatnametochoose · 07/12/2025 07:47

Sunflower459 · 07/12/2025 00:30

I don’t know what to say by way of comfort, OP. I live in dread of when my little one isn’t here any more. I don’t know how I’ll cope. I don’t know how my partner will cope. He’s our world.

Me too

Andromed1 · 07/12/2025 08:57

Because having years of happiness with an animal friend is well worth the agony of loss and anticipation of loss.

Sausagenbacon · 07/12/2025 08:59

What's your AIBU?
you dou know there's a board for this?

Buzzlightfear · 07/12/2025 10:19

CheeseIsMyIdol · 07/12/2025 02:15

Can you sleep downstairs with him?

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I did for the first few nights but the sofa is not comfortable to sleep on and to be honest he's settled really well staying downstairs, I think it bothers me way more than him 😄Im with him all day everyday, he seems happy enough.

lovemyaussie · 07/12/2025 22:56

@TheeNotoriousPIG
I knew I shouldn’t do it, but I’ve just watched the video.
Tears rolling down my face ….

YeOldeGreyhound · 07/12/2025 22:58

Sausagenbacon · 07/12/2025 08:59

What's your AIBU?
you dou know there's a board for this?

Not helpful

Georgiepud · 07/12/2025 23:11

It never gets any easier, even if you've done it two or three times before.
It's because we love them so much.
💐

Sausagenbacon · 08/12/2025 07:39

Not helpful
But true. Why post here, when the Doghouse thread is where posters go to talk about this?
Why post on AIBU , when it isn't one?
And I was the owner of two much-loved dogs.

TheeNotoriousPIG · 08/12/2025 09:05

lovemyaussie · 07/12/2025 22:56

@TheeNotoriousPIG
I knew I shouldn’t do it, but I’ve just watched the video.
Tears rolling down my face ….

Don't say that I didn't warn you!

I am yet to meet anyone in person who admits to having seen the video, and yet somehow managed to sit through it dry-eyed!

YeOldeGreyhound · 08/12/2025 21:57

Sausagenbacon · 08/12/2025 07:39

Not helpful
But true. Why post here, when the Doghouse thread is where posters go to talk about this?
Why post on AIBU , when it isn't one?
And I was the owner of two much-loved dogs.

There are loads and loads of posts in AIBU that could be elsewhere, or are not actually an AIBU. People mainly post here because it is the most popular board, so they have a better chance of getting useful answers.

What on earth made you come on here, see the OP about feeling sad about her dog getting more frail, and thought the need to be the thread police? It is so easy to hide behind a keyboard and be a bitch.

Original poster

TheQuirkyMaker · 12/12/2025 22:55

YeOldeGreyhound · 08/12/2025 21:57

There are loads and loads of posts in AIBU that could be elsewhere, or are not actually an AIBU. People mainly post here because it is the most popular board, so they have a better chance of getting useful answers.

What on earth made you come on here, see the OP about feeling sad about her dog getting more frail, and thought the need to be the thread police? It is so easy to hide behind a keyboard and be a bitch.

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Well, I am 70, she (my dog) is near 12, we went for a walk today with Daisy ( my friends black Lab, same age) and her companion (owner, but really confederate) who is a friend my age. They couldn't do the things they could do just a few years ago- jump over branches, and Bella once sat down to rest. So who cares, only me, Bella, Daisy, and my friend. We each have our little world of successes and failures, pain and success, and they mean little to others.

OP posts:

YeOldeGreyhound · 12/12/2025 23:00

TheQuirkyMaker · 12/12/2025 22:55

Well, I am 70, she (my dog) is near 12, we went for a walk today with Daisy ( my friends black Lab, same age) and her companion (owner, but really confederate) who is a friend my age. They couldn't do the things they could do just a few years ago- jump over branches, and Bella once sat down to rest. So who cares, only me, Bella, Daisy, and my friend. We each have our little world of successes and failures, pain and success, and they mean little to others.

Edited

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Sounds like a lovely day. Enjoy your dog ❤

Nessiesfoodprovider · 12/12/2025 23:54

Oh, @TheQuirkyMaker we have our woofs because they bring so much to our lives and make us better humans. Our older woof is suddenly slowing down and we know she has months, perhaps weeks. She's our fourth woof to get old and it doesn't get any easier.
Sending thoughts to you.