The story of a dog's last day

[RDMcG]

Like most dog owners, I have had too may of these days in my life. ..I noticed this photo essay, which does seem to express it adequately......

http://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/this-story-of-a-...

Edited by RDMcG on Tuesday 15th July 16:12

[RDMcG]

NeMiSiS said:

This is completely stupid, but when I adopted our Bailey 3months or so ago, I didn't think I/we would get too attached too him, I've never had a dog before but they are more than just dogs.

Our Bailey is almost human, he is honest, loyal, funny, friendly, good company, he encourages us all to get out and about more, and he is ALWAYS welcoming and happy to see us, if someone or something can put a smile on my face on an early Monday morning start...... it's Bailey.

Now you're all screaming that's what Dogs do!

Well I didn't know.

And now I've read the above link, it's very, very sad.

How long to fit dogs live for? I hope I die before my Bailey.

The length of life varies widely, and as a rough and ready rule, the smaller the dog, the longer the life. I have Great Danes, and a good life there is about 7 to 8. My standard poodle is 11 and very healthy. I would say ten years for an average dog.

[RDMcG]

NeMiSiS said:

Thanks for the reply, I had no idea the life span was so short, I was thinking 25-30 years for some reason.

Bailey is a Shih-tzu boy and will be 3 in September.

Shih-Tzus have fairly long lifespans by dog standards..at a guess about 12 would be average, but more is certainly possible.

[RDMcG]

egor110 said:

Those of you who have lost a dog how long was it before you got another?

.

Usually have two dogs. Currently Great Dane is 9 months and the Poodle is 11 years. I do not buy an "apprentice" dog to be there in the declining years of the old dog, but it does happen that when one passes away there is a gap, but the time is not fixed. Eventually, one seems to appear. The Dane is from Utah and is was a long drive to get her, and not sure the experience of another giant puppy is for everyone. Probably after this it will be something a bit smaller....

[RDMcG]

Cappo, you are doing just fine. You will know when its time, and its not yet. You have checked with your vet. I have been down this road more that I ever wanted, but its the inevitable end to every wonderful relationship. Enjoy the time you have, and it may stretch out a bit longer than you expected.