A few days ago I posted about taking my 9 year old sheltie to the vet as she was becoming picky over food (having been a greedy litle pig all her life). I thought she just had a tooth problem.  However blood and urine tests have shown up a chronic kidney disease, to my consternation.  She has been put on a renal diet so I have ordered some special food  (Royal Canin) on line and she has been prescribed Seminatra (by syringe) and Akitine daily.  She is very arthritic after a lot of surgery over the years and has been taking Rymadol but is having to stop that as it at odds with the new medication.

To be honest I am very worried about her future as not only is she finding walking difficult but she has become very quiet and withdrawn.  She no longer enjoys the little treats(dental chews, schmackos etc) that she used to love. Isla is my Best Girl and we have done so much together over the years.  She has done obedience,  agility and was a Pat Dog. She has a wonderful  gentle temperament and is loved by all.  She is crippled with the wretched arthritis so can only manage a short stagger each morning with me.  So I am wondering about her future and how much more she can put up with.  This whole issue is very distressing.  Don't know what to do for the best.  All very upsetting.

It comes down to quality of life, remember most dogs are very stoic as it is against their nature to show weakness.

So regardless of her age you need to ask yourself what is she getting out of her life, and would it be kinder to let her go.

^

Sometimes you have to love them enough to let them go.  You have to take their pain away and make it your own.

Totally agree JeanSW.