When the sun begins to set on a beloved pet

My little girl, "Miss Jingles," turned 17 July 4, 2003, a big day! I am very proud of her, she has been a truly loving, and loyal companion, since acquiring at 14 weeks. Rather than bore you with endless chatter about Jingles, visit Jingles' Story, Jingles' 17th Birthday page, and our Christmas 2002 page.

When Jingles reached 10, I thought....OMG, my little girl is getting old, (10 seemed more ominous than 9) wondered how much time was left, and couldn't imagine life without her! After the initial "shock" of her 10th Birthday, I made up my mind, that barring any catastrophic illness, there WOULD be more Birthdays, Christmases, and other special days to share together, and to the max. Now, how was I gonna do this?

I planned to handle her aging, the same as with my past seniors. It would be "business as usual," letting her do what she was "up to," capable of, and deal with "bumps in the road" as they surfaced. The first "bump," was a bulging disc problem, which actually occurred prior to her 10th Birthday. It was mainly a problem if she became tense, due to severe thunderstorms, the effects of which would show a day or two afterwards. Sometimes anti-inflamatory meds were needed for a few days, but not often. I found that massaging her back when storms were ongoing, and keeping her in a room with closed drapes, worked. Fortunately, she has overcome her "thunderphobia," but I still have to work around her disc problem, when it becomes bothersome.

I also knew the importance of maintaining the past level of exercise as long as possible, with daily walks, uphill too....good for keeping those "rears" up! Daily walks have been a huge help keeping her alert, happy, and the "joints oiled"....she loves walks and attention from passersby. At 17, she's not up to the walks of her younger years. On good days we try a short walk, or walk the yard a few times, so at least some exercise was had. At this age, any walks are subject to weather conditions. We avoid extreme heat or cold, and instead, throw a few toys around the house to keep her "moving," and from becoming bored.

What the above means, is that you must approach the aging of your pet realistically, and realize that as years pass, there will be changes in your pet, requring more attention and time on your part, as well as adjustments in their lifestyle. It does not mean, you should become depressed about these changes, worrying that the next day will be the last. Pets that we have owned for many years, are extremely sensitive to our moods. Yes, they know when we are happy, but they also know when we are sad or anxious, will pick up on this, making them unhappy and depressed....the worst thing that can happen.

I have always made it a point to have annual bloodwork done on all my dogs, and in the case of my seniors, semi-annually. Bloodwork will alert your veterinarian to problems before they become outwardly noticeable. Many problems can be managed with meds, or a change in diet, extending quality days for your pet. Keeping a pet's weight in check is also important. Extra weight will make a difference in an aging pet's ability to raise itself from the floor. It will also make movements difficult, particularly if any arthritis is present, and is a strain on the heart. If your senior is overweight, do not delay in getting it back to a proper weight, by feeding a lite diet, cutting back on biscuit treats, and offering pieces of fruit, or veggies instead. Consider giving a daily supplement, i.e., glucosamine/chondroitin, such as Cosequin, which can be purchased from your veterinarian, or on line at a cheaper price, and it is a good idea to do this before signs of stiffness begin to show. I started Jingles on Cosequin, several years ago, and it has been great for her, she is able to "get around" nicely for her age, and enjoy herself.

Shortly before Jingle's 14th Birthday, I noticed her toes curl under when walking. It was occasional, but having been on the lookout for this, I was sure she had developed myelopathy, (degeneration of the spinal cord) and there's no cure, but there are things you can do. In her case, the progression has been very slow. She is still able to go up the few steps to the front door, without falling, and is not dragging her rear behind her, as happens in advanced stages of this disease. To learn more about German Shepherd degenerative myelopathy which is often missed, misdiagnosed, or thought to be arthritis, go HERE. If after learning about DM, you suspect your dog may have it, ask your veterinarian to do the appropriate testing for this disease. While DM has taken away her ability to do certain things, she has adjusted very well to her disability, and enjoys decent quality of life on her good days. However, this will change due to her advanced age, and the progression of DM...can happen very quickly. I know my girl, and she would be miserable if unable to enjoy her life with dignity, something I will not take away from her....not even for one day....I will send her to "The Bridge," with her dignity intact. I have made the decision not to use a cart, due to her advanced age. If she were a younger dog, I would use a cart to keep her mobile for as long as possible.

Some other changes with Jingles, have included some hearing loss, but not a lot...still able to hear the refrigerator door open LOL! I taught her hand signals long before any hearing loss occurred, and combine them with vocal commands every day. Any loss of hearing means you must be very careful, that your "oldster" does not escape from the home, or yard. They will not hear an oncoming vehicle, or hear you call them, can become confused, and hopelessly lost. A good rule of thumb: Never allow off leash!

Boredom has become more of an issue with Jingles. She has always loved her squeaky toys, and was quite capable of amusing herself, when I was busy doing other things. Not the case any longer. On rare occasions she will play with a toy, but mainly "hangs out" with my other dog Jezebel, also a senior, but younger. They do play, but mainly when I am home, or play games with them. Jezebel, is more content being a "couch potato," while Jingles is not. She wants me to entertain her, has become more "clingy," and becomes a bit depressed, when I have to leave for periods of time during the day or evening. She now waits patiently by the door for me to return and does not move, until she hears my car pull into the driveway. All of this means I have to plan my day/evening to include several short periods of time to "entertain" Jingles, or she will revert to "puppy status," raiding waste baskets, chew up a newspaper or cardboard, if she gets into my bag of recycling ready for disposal. Loves those cardboard paper towel tubes!

Alleviating boredom, and working hard to keep a senior "alert," is not easy....it is a challenge. Having a second dog does help, but I walk a "fine line," tending to their individual needs, so *someone* does not get bent out of shape. Since Jingles can't walk along with Jezebel who needs and wants long walks, I plan to purchase a carriage at a garage sale for Jingles (my neighbors should love this LOL.) This should work nicely, so she can enjoy the sights and attention from the neighborhood kids, helping to keep her alert, while Jezebel gets her needed exercise. Trying to "sneak" out after Jingles would fall asleep, to take Jezzy out for a walk, has been difficult. There have been times when Jingles awakened to find that Jezebel and I were "gone," and I would hear her howling when we returned. This also happened when I left Jingles home, to take Jezzy to the vet, so I now take both of them, as they enjoy the car ride anyway.

Some things that I have done to alleviate the boredom, and keep Jingles alert, is to play games, like "hide and seek," and encourage the girls to play together. I also do not allow them to lay around for long periods of time....I keep them moving. Along with the needed daily exercise, there is a need to "exercise" the mind. If you don't, senility will set in very quickly. I talk to Jingles, and will ask her questions like, "what do you want?" "who's there?" "where's your toy?" "where's Jezebel?" and "brush?" (loves it) which always brings a response. I also ring the doorbell, knock on the door or wall, clap my hands, and give a loud whistle. All of this works to keep her alert to sounds she has been familiar with for many years, and have done this long before her current age. Along with this every day, I continue with the hand signals, whenever she looks my way. During the day, if I am on my computer, and notice that Jingles is not in the room with me, I whistle for her, and she will walk into the room, looking for a piece of her favorite veggie or fruit I keep on hand. This also helps to keep her alert, happy and "moving," rather than vegging out all day.

Something else that is helpful to a senior, is frequent grooming. It's "hands on" attention, that they crave. Keeping their coats in good condition is important, and brushing usually relaxes them. My girls are not "thrilled" about weekly ear cleaning, or daily brushing of their teeth, but it is necessary. They also are not "thrilled" about nail trimming, but nails that are way too long, and curl under, makes it difficult for any dog to walk properly. Yeah, I get lax on occasion with the nails, but have made an effort to do it much more frequently. They have very hard nails, and even walks do not wear them down enough. If you have difficulty trimming your senior's nails, then make an appointment to have them done periodically, by a groomer.

During the winter months, when there is snow on the ground, I trim the fur between the pads on their paws. If left, the snow packs in around the fur between the pads, resulting in pain from the cold, they will hold their paws up, and won't walk. Boots are wonderful in extreme cold and snow, if your dog will wear them...takes time to get used to them, as they can't feel their paws on the ground, and may initially balk. Putting a sweater on a dog in very cold weather is a good thing to do, particularly for short-coated breeds, but they may not like those straps on their rear legs. In this case, a coat may be a better choice for your dog. Be sure when purchasing, that the sweater or coat is the correct size, so they are comfortable wearing it.

Another problem you may face with your senior, is its loss of muscle tone, making it difficult or impossible for it to go for long periods of time without a potty break...hence it may have "accidents" in the home. This means an additional potty break or two for the day. Make the last trip at night, as late as possible. I have added two additional potty breaks each day for my girls, as Jingles would sometimes "forget" what she was outside for, and didn't "clean herself out," and had an "accident" in the house. When it is bitter cold, I feed her very early in the AM, and earlier in the afternoon, and get her out several times while the temps are a bit more comfortable, leaving the night for fast "pee pee" breaks. You may have to do what I did, when working a long distance from my home....hire a Professional Pet Sitter to come in to give your senior a potty break, feed, and spend some time giving attention. It really is worth the expense, if you can handle it. Your senior will be more comfortable, and you won't be coming home to "accidents," that will be upsetting to you and your dog, who couldn't help it, barring a medical reason for this. For additional help and information about senior dogs, visit The Senior Dogs Project website

If you must travel, or are planning a vacation and will not be bringing your senior with you, it would be best to hire a Professional Pet Sitter to provide care in your home, during your absence. Seniors do not do well outside of their home, and are much more comfortable in familiar surroundings. To learn what to look for and expect of a Professional Pet Sitter, go HERE.

Be vigilant, and pay attention to any changes in behavior, eating habits, elimination habits, and frequent incidents of vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you notice any of this, or anything else that is out of the norm for your pet, an examination by your veterinarian, including geriatric bloodwork, and urinalysis is in order, as well as any other testing your veterinarian feels is necessary. If loss of appetite is a problem, it may be as simple as a food change or the addition of some fresh cooked veggies, or small pieces of boiled chicken. Adding some warm water to dry food, makes it more palatable, and tastes better to your dog. But wait until after the results of testing, before making a food change, or adding anything to the food other than warm water, as if there is a medical problem, your dog may require a special diet.

Our senior pets are truly angels, and the long lives they have had with us, is a gift from God. It is even more rewarding, when our efforts to extend their quality days pays off. But, there comes a time, when things that worked well in the past, no longer do. Organ failure is something we cannot prevent, but can only manage, along with other problems, for a given amount of time....there is only just so much we and our veterinarians can do. When your senior can no longer enjoy its life, or its life with you, "it is time" to let them go to The Bridge with dignity, rather than allow them to suffer needlessly out of selfishness. After many years of receiving their love and loyalty, in return for ours, it is up to us, as the owner, to let them pass peacefully. If you are uncertain, discuss your pet's overall condition with your veterinarian, and ask every single question you have. Do not leave your Vet's office without a full understanding of your pet's condition. You may need a couple of hours, or even a day to come to "grips" with your impending loss, but, please do not delay the inevitable, while your pet suffers. For more help, visit our page, Facing The Loss Of A Pet, and Afterwards.

Enjoy every day you have left with your senior, and be sure to take lots of pictures....you will be glad you did. They are wonderful to have along with memories of the many years and special times you had together. Even though the "sun is beginning to set" on your aging pet, be proud of your efforts that made a long, quality life for your pet possible. Don't rob yourself of one good day with your pet, due to feelings of sadness, or falling into depression. This is not helpful to you, or your pet. You should be celebrating their long life, and your successes, by remembering others have not been as lucky as you have been.

I have had many opportunities to celebrate Jingle's long life, and my efforts to extend her quality days has paid off, even with all the ups and downs of her DM. On her sixteenth birthday I put her "birthday finery" on her, and took her for her usual birthday walk with Jezebel. It was so wonderful to watch her trot down the road, while receiving attention from those passing by, who could not believe she was 16. It gave me the "warm fuzzies" to watch this....she did her Mom proud! This year for her 17th, even a very short birthday walk was not possible....way too hot and humid. She had a wonderful day, enjoying the special treats I made for her and Jezzy, as well as those she received as gifts. She also shared a special birthday dinner with Jezzy.

Yes, there have been times that I have awakened during the night, and placed my hand on her, to see if she is still "warm" and "breathing"....a lot of us have done this. When the day comes to say "good bye," I will hold her, and tell her I love her, as I have many times before, and know that she is safely at The Bridge, waiting to be reunited with me in the future. Of course it will be a difficult, sad day with many tears, but it is only ONE day out of a long, rewarding life together. I will focus on her entire life, and all the special times we had, not on the day she passed....the way it should be, and the way Jingles would want it.

When The Sun Begins

To Set, On A Beloved

Aging Pet