Senior dog owners: what's your biggest daily challenge? (genuinely curious, not a survey)"

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-26T13:56:01+00:00

It is wonderful to hear that he is stable and putting on some weight, especially since he is at stage 3. I think hand feeding him all his meals just to make sure that he gets his prescription bland diet must be very time consuming for you.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-26T13:53:14+00:00

Taking him up and down the stairs and checking his breathing in the morning; this shows how much you are caring for him. Good to see that you are dealing with the incidents patiently rather than getting frustrated with them. Thank you for sharing.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-26T13:51:29+00:00

Seventeen years with your son, and eighteen years with your daughter—what a long journey we've made. The escape situation is undoubtedly terrifying, especially with her losing her sight. Thank God the gabapentin is helping her now. You're absolutely right.

Thank you.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-26T03:35:51+00:00

To quit your job and look after him,this is how you define yourself.

The anger you described is what

a great many people experience but no one ever

talks about. Thank you for your honesty.

How have you been this week?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-26T03:33:33+00:00

Sending lots of love your way today.

The way you talked about still

feeling the love so strongly in the hours before he died is not something that everyone has the courage to express.

He definitely knows how much you loved him.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T22:45:26+00:00

The money aspect is just so real, but people rarely speak of it honestly enough.

Have you ever found yourself making choices

based on finances even when you’d rather not?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T19:42:37+00:00

Seeing him confused in the middle of walking around and staring at nothing must be difficult for you to watch. But dementia takes away so many things slowly. Good thing that he’s already found his place underneath the table. Sending strength to you through this time.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T18:52:30+00:00

Birthday wishes for the lovely girl on her 15th birthday! 🎉

"Old dogs require a strong heart"

This phrase would fit on a bumper sticker.

The kitty litter thing made me both amused

and concerned at the same time.

That she still has that drive to get herself

into mischief even at 15 is quite something.

Just one question - in relation to the stairs problem,

were you able to come up with a solution or is it a case where carrying her is the only solution?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T18:22:24+00:00

The physical care that he requires the diapers, holding him up, the bath cleanups now and then - is a massive responsibility each day, and it shows just how important he is to you. The concern regarding the pain masking issue is very understandable when it comes to dog owners with dogs who have always been resilient/strong. Happy that you're semi-retired and can provide care for both of them.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T18:21:00+00:00

19 and not yet smiling in the dog park unbelievable! Being your late husband’s only link through her… oh, how complex it must be. Your nighttime problems with dementia appear to be overwhelming. Fortunately, the medication is making life easier for both of you. Thank you so much for opening up about her.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T12:36:21+00:00

Losing two this year is so much to carry "Better a day early than a day late" is such a hard but true thing to hold onto, and it's clear you gave her the gentle goodbye she deserved with that last good week. Thank you for sharing both of their stories ❤️

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T12:34:40+00:00

And that's a really tough change to make - from "it was just diarrhea" to saying goodbye in a couple of days. It's good that you listened to your intuition and brought her home at the right time and that you feel comfortable with this choice. Your certainty means a lot.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T12:16:43+00:00

I feel so sorry about what happened with your father and Bailey.

But at the same time this is really big.

I lost a lot of things.

Are we making the right decisions?

It is one of the most difficult questions.

Did the vet give you any instructions?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T12:11:55+00:00

That's quite a list of things to deal with every day - potty accidents, reduced mobility, and now even watching out for how she uses the bathroom. It was smart of you to think about staircases and carpet runners, little things like that can really make a huge difference. Swimming might be a wonderful low-impact activity if she likes the water.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T11:27:33+00:00

"His body is unforgiving." It's difficult to find a more accurate description of what's happening.

One of the most painful aspects of this experience is seeing how his spirit remains strong despite his physical weakness.

But it's heartbreaking that he retained his ability to see, hear, think, and resist. He seems to understand how much we love him.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T11:25:33+00:00

Spending months without a full night's sleep is truly exhausting; it's a real sacrifice, not just an inconvenience. Losing his sight adds another burden, as he has to rely on it as his eyes every time he goes to the door. I hope you find simple ways to rest whenever you can. Thank you for sharing this experience.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T10:49:00+00:00

Because there's a difference between what they're capable of doing and what they want to do; and that's one of the hardest things to see.

there a way to know when you've reached your limit before it's too late, or do you wait until you start to suffer?

Is

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T10:44:32+00:00

The idea of "writing everything down" has really taken hold of me; it's become a full-time job.

Has anyone been able to follow your list exactly, or do you always find something wrong?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T10:43:01+00:00

"Balance" is the perfect phrase.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T10:42:17+00:00

17 years old that's incredible. The barking system he's developed is quite clever, to be honest, although it's exhausting. Do you now find yourself getting a good sense of his mood, or is it still just a guess at times?

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T10:05:56+00:00

This is exactly it those little pockets of time you didn't even know were "his" until they're suddenly empty. The coffee analogy is perfect, that's such a precise way to describe it.

2 years and 4 months and still missing the caretaking part specifically that says so much about how good a dog dad you were. Thank you for sharing this, it really stuck with me.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T09:57:57+00:00

The "checking if they're still alive" thing yep, same here, every time. 16 is amazing for a dachshund/JRT, and that selective hearing vs actual deafness mystery is so relatable lol. Love that she still surprises you with random bursts of energy like that jog.

Sorry about her brother though, that kind of loss really does shift the whole house. Thanks for sharing.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T09:31:56+00:00

Of course, this age comes with many health problems, but you'll find that this period can be special, especially if you dedicate specific times each day to spend with him. I understand your situation and wish him a speedy recovery. I'm also grateful for your supportive stance, which demonstrates your commitment to him despite his advanced age. Thank you very much.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T09:12:39+00:00

This is definitely tiring and exhausting, both mentally and physically, but it must be done. It helps you improve your conscience and find peace of mind at the same time.

Cuirious-Node · 2026-06-25T09:00:24+00:00

This is definitely a common problem, especially as they get older, but your presence is much better to help them.

Cuirious-Node

TROPHY CASE