When will I know when the time has come to let my 13 yr old shepherd go, she had a check up at the vets a few weeks ago and he said she was fine, but she doesn't have much control over her back legs and sometimes she gets them crossed over and cant get them back again, and when she turns round the back end just falls over. She eats well but is getting rather boney. If one of my family takes her for a walk she will only go a little way and then heads for home but she will walk quite a way with me I just wonder if she is just trying to please me, I have had her since she was 7wks so this is a very difficult time.

Oh my heart does go out to you.

It is such hard time when we start to have the thoughts you are going through.

I always say when a dogs dignity goes then it is time. So long as she is still enjoying life, eating and is able to wee and poo then there is no reason why she should not continue.

I would be dictated though on the walking and let her walk you rather than you take her for a walk as she may be pushing her self a bit too much as she wants to please her mum !

I think you will know when the time has come and be brave when you make the descision as it will be very hard but something that will be the best for your little girl.

Take Care and enjoy each day with her.

Lucy
xx

I agree if she is eating and is healthy and bathroom duty is all fine then I would let her continue. As for the walking maybe only do a block or two and see how she is. Taz is 10 years old and if he walks to long he tends to go side ways, and he lags behind since he is slower but will speed up at times. I always watch him when he is walking since he does have hipdysplasia and arthritis and he doesn't lift one back foot all the way. We will do about a 15 minute walk and he's ready to come home. When it is really cold outside I walk him around the inside of my house for about 15minutes just to keep him mobile and not laying all the time, I try to do this atleast 2-3 times a day of course depending on him.

I'm sure she will let you no when it is time, or maybe she may just pass on her own...Take care

Yes she could just pass on her own my vet saw my last dog and said she wanted to do a dental as she thought this might be a reason why she was ill. booked a day she died the night before on her own. we were considering putting her to sleep . She had painkillers But just passed away on her own , i think thats a really nice way to go. because you know the time is right.

how ever shes a big dog and it would be hard for you to carry her out to go to the toilet . as soon as she is unable to do so herself or eat then thats about the time to decide you have to rember all the good times you had together and your blessed she had many years of fun:)