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How Could you? Reality of we want a pet.
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<blockquote data-quote="GoingNorth" data-source="post: 300716" data-attributes="member: 1963"><p>Star, I've seen this before during my years of human society volunteering, but it is a message that bears repeating.</p><p></p><p>I've been through many a "lifespan" over the years with my guys and gals, and am currently going through it with a German Shepherd who has severe spinal arthritis and is starting to slow down.</p><p></p><p>Last year he put his back "out" totally, was put on steroids, and due to side-effects and being in horrible pain (with medications), broke housetraining.</p><p></p><p>This year I spent 5 THOUSAND dollars to replace my carpeting with flooring so if the old guy can't make it outside, I can mop up after him.</p><p></p><p>No, he's no longer the brilliant, active tracking and competitive obedience dog he was for a few years.</p><p></p><p>We can't clamber over rough ground or hurdle obstacles any more. He's no longer "good for much" beyond barking and looking fierce if someone comes to the door or around the windows.</p><p></p><p>We go for walks on level ground daily, and in the winter I shovel out a path to the plowed out road so he can walk (he can't pick up his right hind foot very high)</p><p></p><p>Yeah. He needs a boost to get into the car and our life together has really changed. But, I'm getting older and I have a bad back, too.</p><p></p><p>He's still my dog, and when the day comes that he can no longer get around and the pain medications don't help, well...We'll make that last, merciful trip.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, we are still a team.</p><p></p><p>toK (and Gryphon. CGC, CD, CDX, UD, UDX, UDT)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="GoingNorth, post: 300716, member: 1963"] Star, I've seen this before during my years of human society volunteering, but it is a message that bears repeating. I've been through many a "lifespan" over the years with my guys and gals, and am currently going through it with a German Shepherd who has severe spinal arthritis and is starting to slow down. Last year he put his back "out" totally, was put on steroids, and due to side-effects and being in horrible pain (with medications), broke housetraining. This year I spent 5 THOUSAND dollars to replace my carpeting with flooring so if the old guy can't make it outside, I can mop up after him. No, he's no longer the brilliant, active tracking and competitive obedience dog he was for a few years. We can't clamber over rough ground or hurdle obstacles any more. He's no longer "good for much" beyond barking and looking fierce if someone comes to the door or around the windows. We go for walks on level ground daily, and in the winter I shovel out a path to the plowed out road so he can walk (he can't pick up his right hind foot very high) Yeah. He needs a boost to get into the car and our life together has really changed. But, I'm getting older and I have a bad back, too. He's still my dog, and when the day comes that he can no longer get around and the pain medications don't help, well...We'll make that last, merciful trip. Meanwhile, we are still a team. toK (and Gryphon. CGC, CD, CDX, UD, UDX, UDT) [/QUOTE]
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