Hi All!
I'm new to the forum and delighted to find so many like minded people!
I'm mum to a little old lady, Billie, who is a Staffie cross and coming up for 17 years old. She has been a delight throughout the years and very strong/healthy in the main.
Unfortunately, at approx 14yrs, she was diagnosed with a tumor & eventually underwent emergency surgery to remove it and her spleen. As you can imagine, this aged her considerably and she became the little old lady that her years suggested she should be. She is in fine form now but struggles with a little dementia and, very recently, we're now struggling with weak hips etc.
She takes rimadyl for her hips which seems to help with the discomfort but she gets very stiff, and vivitonin for the dementia, although a smaller dose than prescribed as the full one seems to knock her out!
I would appreciate any thoughts on how to manage her stress points = getting stuck while we're out of the house & not being able to get backup off the floor, for example. Has anyone used the d.a.b. plug in? I also worry that I should take her to the places we used to walk as she really doesn't want to GO for a walk but I wonder if the change would be good for her psychologically?? Also....are dog buggies any good (if not a little daft!)?
Any thoughts much appreciated as she's been my baby for nearly 17 years now and I want to do my best for her now that she's less independant.

[wishbone]

I remember my grandpa's lab, at his age of 18 he was really spoiled, giving all the food and fun he loves. Although he have some pain to deal with, we make sure he's gonna enjoy living his life. I just remember some medicine he's taking but don't know what they are...

I keep reading about all the 17+ year olds & it's a great comfort to know that she's probably normal for her age so thanks!

You DO worry though & my concern is always for her wellbeing - we owe it to our faithful companions to not keep them going for our OWN sake & I hope I'll know when she's had enough! As hard as that will be! It's been tough seeing her fight back but she's a tough cookie & I'll take all the advice I can get on making her more comfortable, whether that be medication or otherwise. Thanks for your response!