Re: World's Oldest Golden Has 20th Birthday!

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@Silver Lining The vet told my daughter, when he starts refusing food, to bring him in to be put down. He already refuses "treats."

The vet does not believe he is in pain. No arthritis. His gait is still good for a dog his age. He just does everything in slow motion. Breathing is slightly labored.

So far, he goes outside to the bathroom then immediately goes back inside the house....

No longer hangs out on porch or patio....

No longer wants to take walks....

No longer plays....

My daughter has to bring his food bowl to him. He now refuses to go to his feeding station to eat but will go there to drink water. He eats lying down but drinks water standing.

Sleeps & naps in unlocked crate instead of his beds (2) all day. He takes his paw to close the door.

Grandson has put a blanket cover over the crate as it appears the dog now perfers privacy & semi darkness.

This is my daughters dog. She is the Alpha in the pack. SIL tells me she is taking all this in stride as she has been looking/shopping around for chocolate lab puppy.

His birthday is in Oct. SIL thinks that is when my daughter will have him put down.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

Why such a short life span for a typical golden retriever?

Silver Lining · ‎04-16-2010

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Silver Lining The vet told my daughter, when he starts refusing food, to bring him in to be put down. He already refuses "treats."
The vet does not believe he is in pain. No arthritis. His gait is still good for a dog his age. He just does everything in slow motion. Breathing is slightly labored.
So far, he goes outside to the bathroom then immediately goes back inside the house....
No longer hangs out on porch or patio....
No longer wants to take walks....
No longer plays....
My daughter has to bring his food bowl to him. He now refuses to go to his feeding station to eat but will go there to drink water. He eats lying down but drinks water standing.
Sleeps & naps in unlocked crate instead of his beds (2) all day. He takes his paw to close the door.
Grandson has put a blanket cover over the crate as it appears the dog now perfers privacy & semi darkness.

This is my daughters dog. She is the Alpha in the pack. SIL tells me she is taking all this in stride as she has been looking/shopping around for chocolate lab puppy.

His birthday is in Oct. SIL thinks that is when my daughter will have him put down.

@Mz iMac

that sounds so familiar, unfortunately. It was a steady decline with mine that started slowly and lasted quite a while. Later, when the quality of life was so compromised I had to do the humane, kindest thing. It was one of the most heart-wrenching things I've ever done. I try to take comfort in knowing that the years of unconditional love are worth everything.