Older Yorkies

[mmcarroll]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

I know what you mean, my big dogs are both 12 years old which is the average lifespan. I got my two little guys to help me when the time comes, plus the puppies rejuvenate my older dogs. My senior dogs are more active now as the teach the pups manners, one has even lost ten pounds. I believe my little puppies have added on more time with my big guys ( my first dogs). Plus, they will make it easier on the one big dog who is left behind when their best friend goes and a little easier on me.

I just wanted to say this was really sweet! Watching dogs interact with each other is always very heartwarming.

[Lap Princess]

Lexie is 10 now and I've had her 4 1/2 years. She does seem to sleep a little more, but nothing excessive. She's got some 18 year-olds in her blood lines, so we should be so lucky! I'm not expecting that though. I love this dog like nothing I could ever imagine, and when she goes, I know I will be lost for awhile. All you can do is love em & give em the best life possible. I try not to think about the end, it's natural, but too depressing!

[baileyz]

I lost my dachshund Beanie, at 14 years old to congestive heart failure, 1 1/2 years ago). He was a great dog/companion. Now I look at Ginger our 12 year old dachshund and see the incont. issues starting, her 7 year old son Gus, and our beloved little Morkie Bailey and can't bear to think of not having them around. They all bring so much joy to our lives.

[theporkieyorkie]

I worry about it all the time with my older yorkie. He turned 10 in August and we have had a lot of vet trips in the last few months. I've been told I am being irrational by all of the money I've spent on vet bills on an older dog, but I don't have any kids and these are my babies...and I am sure I could have bought a few more dogs with the money I've spent(I hear that one constantly), but it wouldn't replace my little Prince.

I keep seeing older dogs on Petfinder and I just don't get it. I just don't see how you can have a pet that's 14 or 15 years old and give it up. I tease my SO all the time, telling him I am going to open a doggie retirement home...and I would do it in a heartbeat if I could afford the vet bills for all of them

[gemy]

I do think about it, but try not to so much; it is just too painful to contemplate. I have lost two animals in the last two years, one very young to cancer, a cat middle aged with cancer (a different type).

My large breed dog is over seven years old, with an average life expectancy of 10yrs. One of his parents is still alive, and his grandparents lived 8 or 11 years old respectively.

So yes I push those thoughts away. A whole lot.

[xFoxyx]

When Presley turned 10 - I began to fret. Every minor thing seemed major. He will be 17 on Saturday and he is still trucking along. His vision is gone (happened about 2 months ago), we are maintaining early stage of renal failure. He is still very playful. He doesn't jump around like he used too, and he is a bit more insistent than he used to be, but all these things I am happy to deal with. I hope and pray we will have another wonderful year together!

[MystysMom]

I think as puppy parents we all worry about our little fur babies.
I know we put our Black lab down in March and that about killed us and in the process of looking for another family member we came across our little girl Mysty.
So, no you aren't crazy.

[Quadraphinic]

I had Megan for 15 years to the month, we got her in the middle of May 1998, and she died on May 28 2013. Megan wasn't supposed to live out her first year, I never dwelled on that, I just loved her every day, the fact we got 14 extra years was great. The day I had to have her put down, hit me about as hard as he day my brother died 19 years ago. Just love and treasure them every day you have them, and be thankful for their love as well. I miss Megan every day, but I have a new Yorkie puppy Gina, and she is a blessing, and a little monster monkey butt. Hopefully you will have several more years with yours.
Cheers Quad

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by CouversMom

I'm sure a lot of people worry... It's only natural. I do not know how I will go on when my two pass, but I try not to think about it. I try to enjoy the time I have with them now. I am always taking them to the park, on trips and to doing fun things because I want them to have the best life possible. I know I will look back and smile at the time we had together.

My thoughts exactly. I came back today and the Place was empty. Looking over the balcony, the two ladies in my life were on the beach. I came back in and her little toys and chews were scattered around. For a moment I imagined what it would be like not to have her chaotic presence dashing around everywhere - very sad. I too, am determined to give her every joy, in her comparatively short life and to keep her healthy, happy and well loved.

[cidneyI]

I had a Yorkie who lived to be 17! I have one now that is 13 and is showing a few signs of slowing down but he is happy and healthy as he can be.