Dog suddenly looks old

[Snaplittledragon]

Just that really.

She’s still very playful, enjoying long walks, nice shiny coat etc but DS was playing fetch with her earlier and took a photo and she just looks old bless her.

It’s so silly but I’m feeling a bit upset.
The photo shows her grey hairs above her eyes that I hadn’t even noticed and she just has an ‘old’ expression even though she’s smiling.

It’s just that realisation I suppose that she isn’t young anymore and is approaching her final phase of life.

I’m finding myself fearful for my children’s reactions when she inevitably passes, my DS (12) is especially close to her.

It is sad when you see them age and realise you will have to face losing them.
One of my girls had cancer in Spring '19 at 7 yrs old and seemed to age in weeks, shes stayed cancer free but has definitely slowed down and I try not to think of what could be ahead, we lost our big lad in June and we miss him every day.
Your DS is old enough to understand ageing and will remember all their wonderful shared times, live in the moment 🐶

Don’t do this to me today, OP. My ddog is only 3 and sometimes I catch myself looking at him and wondering how on Earth I would ever get over his death, and I chastise myself for being stupid enough to give my heart to a creature who has such a comparatively short lifespan. Then i get a grip.

In these such uncertain times, it’s understandable to be fearful of losing ones who we love and who have been by our side through it all, even animals.
It sounds like she has bright you much happiness and I hope she will continue to do so for a fair few years to come

My girl is almost 13 and suddenly seems to be slowing down (although she can still walk for miles and bounces around like a pup, she sleeps for longer and is stiffer afterwards), and is very grey around her face now. It breaks my heart to think she realistically hasn’t got a huge amount of time left. My ds is 14 and can’t remember not having her around; they have a wonderful relationship and he walks her and sits cuddling her. He’s going to be heartbroken when the time comes.

It is so sad to think about them getting older and the inevitable loss.

My boy is 15 and a large breed. I did get myself worked up with the thought of losing him last summer and I will admit to still being hyper vigilant for any signs of ill health or pain these days, but in the end decided that focussing on making sure every single day is the best day we can possibly give him is a better use of my energies.

I have 3 dcs, ranging from 12 to 18 in age. None of them can remember at time when he wasn’t around and we haven’t been without a dog in our home for over 30 years. In fact this is the first time we’ve ever had just one dog, as we have generally had 2 or 3. I simply cannot imagine my home without a dog in it.

We lost our other boy, age 7, last June and that was a horrible reminder that we should try to do what dogs do and live in the moment, rather than spoil today worrying about tomorrow. I’m doing my best, but would be lying if I said I don’t have sad times and shed a tear on occasion and I am still struggling with the loss of my younger lad as well.

I know just what you mean, OP. I saw a photo of my ds he had put on FB or something and I thought 'Aw, whose old dog is in that photo with him?' then I realised it was taken in our kitchen and it was our labrador. Quite a shock somehow.