Dr. K,

This is one of you best columns EVER.  Your words at the end are just wonderful.  So comforting.  I said to Dan, well, I guess I can't kid myself, Emma IS an older dog. 

He said, "well, WE are older dogs, too!" 

But, nobody can take away our memories and Heaven has our little angels waiting for us.

Keep you arms out of cat's mouths, ok?!!!

Carolyn September 2nd, 2009 10:57:52 AM

"But outside the veterinary arena, why all this preoccupation with time?"

From someone who professes to love her dogs, I find the question rather odd myself.

When you love something, don't _you_ want to have it in your life as long as possible?

Age averages are why I probably will not consider owning a large breed of dog.  The statistics for me having a small or medium dog live much longer as just too prevalent.

When I breed my Working Border Collies, I look hard at lifespans within the bloodlines.  I don't want to perpetuate genes that have resulted in early death to cancer or disease.  Not only is it emotionally hard on the owners/family of the dog, but for a working dog the long it can work healthy the happier it  and it's human partner, is.

I think if anything there too little preoccupation with how long they live...just like the is too little with the quality of how they live.

Side note: There is definately too little preoccupation with age/life expectancy in those that bring long lived birds and reptiles into their homes.  And don't get me started on senior citizens in their 80s and 90s who adopt puppies and kittens and don't make arrangments for the animal if the inevitable happens.

Wendy September 2nd, 2009 11:08:55 AM

I would like to know how they compiled these statistics... breed clubs?  My dogs' breed fortunately has a wonderful health foundation that maintains a database for things like this.  They require copies of veterinary records to ensure data quality.

And speaking of quality =) -- should we be measuring our pets' lives by their quality instead of their longitevity?  Sure, a long-lived pet means you must be doing something right, but did the pet have a good quality of life?  That's something the Guiness Book can't measure.

Julie in OH September 2nd, 2009 11:14:52 AM

Yes, if only we could know - but I don't think I want to.  I have one cat just turning 10 who is showing some small signs of slowing down a little.  Another cat that is 9.5 and been on prednisolone since early 2005, but has not slowed down at all.  And the baby at 6. 

My only thought with their age is how much I will miss them when they are gone - they are my best of friends.  That thought can bring tears to my eyes. 

Medical decisions will focus more on what is best for their overall health regardless of age (e.g. is he strong enough to withstand a procedure), and of course cost.  I had to decline a dental on the 9.5 year old cat as there are small signs he might go hyperthyroid (change in voice, high-normal T4) - don't know if he will tolerate the meds, don't know if I can afford I131 right now, don't know how many times he will need to be tested. The 10 year old cat is more in need of a dental and we delayed it from his last visit.  And the 6 year old might need part of his ear removed, and he had a very expensive dental just 3 months ago (extractions, mask down, IVAC).

I hope they all live much longer, and that I can afford to give them the best treatment that they need.

Jenny September 2nd, 2009 11:49:35 AM

“She’s such a healthy ten, don’t you think she’ll live to at least sixteen?”

Oops, is this a bad question?  I asked something very similar last year, when my Aussie stopped wanting to move around and I thought her arthritis had become crippling; turns out it was her eyes, but I was still stuck thinking she was suffering a lot.  I asked of the vet really thought she'd be with me long enough to benefit from any of the options the vet was suggesting, and vet said she thought this dog would be with me for years yet.  Oh dear :(

I know my bigger dogs probably won't live as long as smaller dogs will, but I'd like to have some idea what's coming; are they still reasonably healthy?  Are they deteriorating?  Will they be okay in their current states?  I'm not morbidly focused on their eventual deaths, but I do try to focus on their lives and being happy with them.  For me, that involves hoping they'll be happy and healthy for years and years, keeping their precious senior selves with me. 

It matters to me how long my pets live, because I want them here.  Other peoples' pets who live extra long give me more hope that mine might defy the odds too, even while I try to be practical, aware that any day could be their last.

Galadriel September 2nd, 2009 11:53:50 AM

My first husky died of old age at almost 14 and my second of cancer at only 7, but I almost lost him to kidney disease at age 2.  So which one REALLY lived longer than expected?  And I was not any more prepared for the first than the second; when we love an animal or a person we are NEVER really ready to let them go. I agree with the above poster than we really should measure quality of life - and I know I gave both my boys more quality of life and expereience than most dogs get - reagrardless of age.

Di September 2nd, 2009 11:54:37 AM

Wendy has part of it right. Sometimes we are compelled to ask out of our knowledge that all too soon, there will be a day of parting and grief. It's a bit of masochism we can't seem to resist. We're hoping to get an impossible answer.

I take part in several online forums for my breeds, and every time a member loses their pet, my heart breaks a little, because I know my day will come. The list above give an average of 6.7 for Bulldogs. But even though I am not a vet, I know that number does not reflect deaths by old age or natural causes. I lost my nearly 9 year old Bulldog in April '08 to what I think was a heart attack. But for eight years I heard stories of deaths during surgeries, deaths due to heat stroke, deaths due to allergic reactions, deaths due to genetic disorders (megaesophagus, heart abnormalities, etc.). So many died young. Others lived to be 12 or 13. But that average tells the story -- huge numbers of the breed meet an untimely death. However, I would never tell a prospective Bulldog owner that the life expectancy of their dog is less than seven years, because I don't think that is true.

As for whether to treat an elderly animal, I can only speak for myself. It would be a question of quality of life, not money. If the procedure involved a long, painful recovery, and the pet likely did not have an expectation of living much longer anyway, it would give me pause. Another relevant factor would be whether the procedure was a life or death issue, and its success rate. These are issues I think a loving owner would balance in making a care decision for an elderly pet.

To give an example, I favor cataract surgery, at least in one eye, even for older pets. The success rate is high, the risks relatively low, the pain fairly minimal, and the benefit substantial. Yes, pets can adjust to being blind, but that takes time, and until that happens, life is scary. My dog was terrified when she went blind. The day after her cataract surgery, she was almost 100% back to her old self.

Anyway, these are just some thoughts that your post brought to my mind.

Susan September 2nd, 2009 12:01:36 PM

Its about QUALITY of life not QUANTITY

JC September 2nd, 2009 12:15:09 PM

Julie: Quality, indeed. A perfect counterpoint. 

Galadriel: It's not that we don't welcome questions like this...it's just that we can't answer it without prevaricating and qualifying and hemming and hawing. 

Dr. Patty Khuly September 2nd, 2009 12:18:57 PM

Thank you for such a great column.

I have a co-worker who lost her beloved Chihuahua last year at 22 years old - and she told me she had to "give him permission" to let go.  Whether that had an effect on his time of death is probably up for debate, but what isn't is her connection with him.  He had been with her through two marriages (the first ending in a tragic death) and the birth of her daughter.  For people like these, it doesn't matter if their dog is in the Guiness Book, though it certainly is the oldest dog I've ever heard of.

My two Bulldogs have a life expectancy of 7.  We're trying to up it through organic pet food, healthy living, and vet care, but I know we don't have long with them.  I feel what matters isn't the length of life, but the depth of love...

Courtney September 2nd, 2009 12:21:21 PM

Wendy's right that lifespan is a big deal with parrots.  There's the further complication though that veterinary science for birds is in its infancy as compared with what we know about cats and dogs.  For my dusky conure, her lifespan is given as a range of 20-30 years in most sources, some sources listing as short as 15 years and some as long as 40 years.  I'm currently 31 years and my dusky conure is 2 years old, so I know that there's a good chance I'll have to put her in my will! 

Knowing the life expectancy also matters for peace of mind.  My first cockatiel lived to age 16, and while I was of course devastated when she passed away, I could rest easier knowing she had had a typical lifespan as well as a good life.  My second cockatiel I found at age 7 or so, and she passed away less than two years later around age 8.  It was shocking and sudden and even a necropsy didn't reveal the cause of death.  I know nothing about her life before me so I can't comfort myself by saying she had a good life, and I know she didn't have a long one, so in many ways her death was much harder on me than my first 'tiels, despite having had her for a shorter time.

zandperl September 2nd, 2009 12:54:41 PM

Interesting statistics, thanks! But "average lifespan" is relative when you factor in things like cancer, abuse or reckless drivers. But the bottom line is, dogs don't keep track of their age. We could learn a great lesson from them by ignoring expectations and simply living in the now. If you ask me – or anyone in the Tripawds community – it's all about quality of life, not quantity.

tripawds.com September 2nd, 2009 01:00:52 PM

Aha!  I knew my dogs were above average!

Seriously though, I think it's interesting that your total average of the breeds listed is 12.8 and the average for random-bred is 13.2.  Of course it's not a real statistic until you can weight it to reflect how many of each breed should be included in the average, but still, I like to think mutts are a little heartier than their purebred counterparts.

Anne September 2nd, 2009 01:24:36 PM

That was a great article.  Thanks for all your insights.

A. Hall September 2nd, 2009 02:04:31 PM

Yikes, I just realized that "oh dear" in my previous comment was misplaced--I was worried about having upset my vet, not at ALL about my Aussie's hopeful lifespan.  At the time, due to her change in lifestyle, I was worried she was in such severe pain that the meds weren't even helping.  I was braced to be told she was in too much pain, that her quality of life didn't make it worth living anymore.  I am wildly delighted that she's still comfortable, just hasn't got great vision, and her projected lifespan can be measured in years instead of months or days.

Her lenses are detached, incidentally, and the vet was telling me that *if* she develops glaucoma, that she may need the lenses or even her eyes removed.  As for now, there's no further complications, thankfully, and we get her eyes tested regularly.  She can't see *well*, but she can see a little--and now that we know the problem, we're working on accomodating poor vision too.  The main reason she stopped getting around so much was problems with bright lights.  We got her some Doggles and make sure to try to keep her out of bright sun if it can be avoided, and things are great again.

She and my other 12-yr-old girl both have some pretty significant arthritis, and I worry a lot about them.  We try to manage it, but I'm always on edge watching for that indication that it's become too much.  I can only hope that they'll be happy and comfortable as long as possible, without trying to extend it beyond the point where I should.  I just love them, you know?  And I'll miss them when they leave me.  So any source of encouragement about dogs bucking the trends...great!

Galadriel September 2nd, 2009 02:29:12 PM

"why all this preoccupation with time?" Because, just like with humans, different things happen at different stages of life.  Is it arthritis from age or injury or symptom of another illness.  At least that's the type of reason I ask.  If you're going to tell a client to do weight loss, rehab, etc., etc. so a dog can have a better last six months, isn't it even more important to be able to say the dog might have 6 years left of health (or not) depending on what you, the owner do?  Have to wonder if accidents or other unusual deaths are included in those stats though.  They seemed skewed terribly low to me but at least it explains why my new vet sees my nearly 9 year olds as "elders" and I do think animals aren't living as long as they did for a while there.

PJBoosinger http://pjboosinger.viviti.com/ September 2nd, 2009 03:40:48 PM

Three weeks ago, I adopted a 16 year old Chinese Crested Powderpuff named Tyke. I was expecting to get a slow moving, tired old man. Instead, I got a happy, playful little guy that loves walks and car rides. He is as energetic - sometimes more so - that my 3 other Chinese Crested dogs that are 10 - 12 years old. Who know how long Tyke or my other 3 dogs will be with me. I do my best to enjoy them and not worry about the future. I try to keep them healthy with exercise, good food and twice yearly vet checks - and don't forget the tooth brushing & dental cleanings. My dogs don't spend their day wondering how long they have left. They enjoy whatever each day has to offer, even if they cannot see or hear so well anymore. Their love of life and disregard for the future is something I envy and try to emulate.

BTW, Tyke was recently featured on CuteOverload.com - check out his pictures

<a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2009/08/31/thats-112-in-dog-years/">CuteOverload</a>

Susan G. September 2nd, 2009 03:59:46 PM

Galadriel, I recently lost my beloved Aussie a few months past 18.  Her quality of life was good until the last few weeks, and at that point we made a choice in her best interest.

~~~~~

You can't have quality and quantity as different discussions.  For one, if a dog is only going to live a few years you've got a whole lot less time to enjoy them, and they the life you provide. 

If provided a choice I would like my dogs to have the opportunity for both a long, and a good, life.  Just like I want for myself.

Perhaps it's selfish of me to not want a dog from a breed or type that doesn't have that chance.  Or perhaps is selfish to perpetuate a breed or type of dog who can't have that?  No judgements intended, just discussion.

Wendy September 2nd, 2009 04:31:54 PM

I think it is pretty common to "measure" life based on age, we humans do it all the time! Elderly people will quote beating the "ave. age life expectancy". I do it too with myself & my pets.

I wish the average age of a Scottish Terrier was at least 12 yrs, as listed above. Fact  based on Breed club studies both in US & UK, it is sadly under 11yrs.  (10 yrs. 9 mos. to be exact) I think it is averages, just as with humans, some far below and some above. I had on Scottie (fibrosarcoma) at 9 1/2, 10 1/2 and one to a grand age of 14 1/2.

Pocket died in the middle of two female siblings, all 2 months apart! One male at 9, one at 10, and one at 14.

I wouldn't trade the shorter years & times for the longer ones, because all were treasured individually and the memories of the different personalities are equally  & fondly held.

My goal is to provide the best quality of life I can and then the most compassionate, graceful, and dignified death.

Barbara A. Albright/NH September 2nd, 2009 05:32:25 PM

Wendy: That's an interesting argument. It's one often made for eugenics: "Don't we want our children to have the best genetic start possible?" I know it's an inflammatory comparison but it has some merit when you consider the extreme end of the spectrum (i.e., short-lifespan bulldog breeds with respiratory, skin and orthopedic ailments and giant breeds whose common joint diseases make for chronic discomfort). Could it be that quality of life IS related to longevity?

No judgment, just food for thought.

Dr. Patty Khuly September 2nd, 2009 06:09:34 PM

ahh...genetics play such a huge roll. My first cat rarely saw a vet, ate grocery store food and at age 19 I had her euthanized because she was diabetic, had had hyperthyroid surgery and was incontinent. But I had her euthanized because she no longer had a good happy quality of life. It isn't how long...it's how well. And while good vet care is nice, and can extent life in many circumstances, it's genetics in the end. But I too am guilty of asking the vet how long do you think....

LorriM September 2nd, 2009 06:13:12 PM

LorriM: I agree completely. While I feel it is ok to take credit for keeping my oldsters in decent condition & doing my best to avoid negative environmental factors (SHS, etc.), genetics plays its ultimate role---just as with humans.

From the companions POV? They are not living for tomorrow, but the present moment, and that is what we humans forget sometimes.

Barb A./NH September 2nd, 2009 06:56:00 PM

Just today we had a client in with her 15 1/2 year old Golden Retriever, who, though she has slowed down, is still doing well.  The client and I were discussing the fact that two years ago we did a splenectomy on this dog.  Some of her friends and family thought she was nuts to spend so much on a dog that age, but as she said, "We've gotten two wonderful years when just 6 months would have been worth it!"

Wendy, I hear you about the elderly making arrangements for their pets.  I have a client whose children gave her a golden puppy three years ago.  She is in her 70's, and walks with a cane.  When I know she is coming in, I watch for her and go get the dog for her, because it would pull her off her feet.  A few months ago, she started crying while talking with me.  She and her husband had arranged that when they die, their dogs would go to live with her son, but the past weekend, they had visited the son, and the golden had gotten into a big fight with one of the son's dogs.  She said she couldn't sleep at night wondering what she would do with Andy, since she didn't think her son would be able to take him.  I told her that I would take Andy, and her old Lab, at any time.  Now, whenever I see her, she tells me that I've relieved her mind, and made it possible for her to sleep at night without worrying about her dogs.  I just wonder what her kids were thinking by giving her a puppy at her age?  But I know that I will have a great dog (who needs training and exercise, which he will get with me) who has been loved and well cared for, and I'm helping her out as well.  Besides, I have a soft spot for goldens!

Sassy September 2nd, 2009 07:10:40 PM

Zandperl, you said " My second cockatiel I found at age 7 or so, and she passed away less than two years later around age 8. It was shocking and sudden and even a necropsy didn't reveal the cause of death. I know nothing about her life before me so I can't comfort myself by saying she had a good life, and I know she didn't have a long one, so in many ways her death was much harder on me than my first 'tiels, despite having had her for a shorter time."

I hope you know that the part that matters most, both to her and to you, is that even if her life before you wasn't optimal, the time she spent with you was.  And even if it was sudden, she wasn't neglected at the end of her life.  I feel that while none of us know how long we or any of our loved ones have, the quality of the the love we give and receive should be more important that the time.  Sure, if we can get and give good love for a long time, that's a huge gift, but sometimes a precious gift can be small, and still be absolutely incredible.

My first greyhound (who I'd been waiting for for 20 years), died less than a year after I got him.  I was lucky enough to have spent most of the first 6 months I had with him, in a lot of very good bonding time (I was unemployed so had lots of time).  Even though the last 4 months were more 'regular' with time together, having him so close for those months was a gift that I will always cherish.

There's a big part of me that knows that the hurt is horrible whether it happens sooner or later, and I'd like to share the love with more animals, so I'm quite open to adopting seniors on purpose.  If I can give them a continued good life, and an improved life, even for a short time, it will be valuable to me to share it with more animals.  I know not everyone feels that way, but I'd like to more friends, even for shorter times, than fewer friends.  That's just my thoughts on it.

KateH September 2nd, 2009 08:25:46 PM

I had always read that the average lifespan of a Newfoundland  was 5-8 years.  My first Newf lived to be 13 !/2.  My current Newf will be 12 in November.  I got her from a breeder who did not want to breed her anymore.  She was 6 years old when I got her.  I asked the breeder how long her dogs usually lived and she said, "12."  I'm sorry that I did that because now that she is reaching that age it saddens me to think about not having her anymore.  She is the best dog that I have ever owned.  I can see that she is beginning to slow down.  She's been diagnosed with a lot of arthritis in her back.  She's been on medication, which has helped, but I will be asking the vet about the series of shots that have been mentioned here.  I agree that it is all about quality of life and not quantity of life.

Susan September 2nd, 2009 08:52:29 PM

Last year my family of 3 transitioned, each at a separate time....according to their plan, apparently.  The surprise was my beautiful Golden, at 11 years, who succumbed to GDV ... My cat of 17 years had been on his 9th Life since he was about 10 weeks old, having been a ferral kitten mauled twice by the neighbor's Chow (broken jaw, punctured lung) and someone's bb gun.  My beautiful Dalmatian left us at 17 plus....and up until the last couple of weeks of her life, the word "maturity" had never even entered her vocabulary.   None of them lived long enough for me....  nor did the ones I who made their transitions several years earlier:  the Great Dane at 12, the Doberman at 15, the Yellow Lab at 15, a Husky/Aussie mix also at 15 and my cat at 21.   But I am appreciative of every single second that our lives were spent together....and miss them all ( but I know they're all right here in my heart and my mind's eye)

I'm an Energy Healer for small animals and equine...and yes, have done lots of energy work with them regularly...  Do I think this is a factor in their well-being?  Yes, of course, I do.  But it is also in combination with proper veterinary care, a VET WHO CARES, and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of L O V E---right from the Heart.

Great posts always!  Glad you're here and available to so many!

Namaste!

Su

Animal Healing Connection September 2nd, 2009 09:08:23 PM

I asked my veterinarian about a cat's lifespan to gauge how I've done with my five cats. They are the only pets I've ever had and I wanted to know how I was doing with them. 

I lost one cat two years ago at around age 17 from CRF (adopted as an adult), another a year ago at age 14 from cancer (found in Puerto Rico), and one this year at age 17 with CRF and hyperthyroidism. I now have a 17+ (adopted as an adult) and a 19 3/4 yr old. 

My "old guy" had surgery at age 4 because he kept getting blocked, has been getting insulin for almost five years now, and has kidney disease. I am lucky to work from home andhe hangs out with me all day.  He's pretty chatty, loves attention and loves to eat. There's that quality of life issue ... he does not like the kidney diet foods.  At his age do I give him the food he likes? 

On another note ... Kate, being in my early 50's, I plan to adopt older cats in the future as well, hopefully from someone who cannot care for their cat so they will know their cat will be cared for.

Carin September 2nd, 2009 09:59:51 PM

Because the time we have with a really good dog is never, ever enough.

H. Houlahan September 2nd, 2009 10:08:56 PM

Great column!

Just don't show these numbers to my dog and cat... they think they are middle-aged and their bloodwork and physical condition supports that :)

My cat turned 16 last month and my dog was 13 in June... dog is a 58-lb Border Collie cross... cat a generic shorthair. I know these ages are right since I got them both as babies....

It's nice to know these averages, though, because it supports my own stance that we won't put either of them through any extraordinary treatments, but rather focus on good preventive care and, when the time comes, palliative care. We spend our pet care dollars on quality food and annual checkups and count ourselves soooo lucky :) As others have said, even the longest of years isn't enough, when you're speaking of a really good dog.

Stacey September 2nd, 2009 10:41:24 PM

"Because the time we have with a really good dog is never, ever enough."

Truer words were never spoken.

Wendy September 3rd, 2009 08:49:10 AM

We are quickly approaching our 30th anniversay. I am real afraid that if someone asks my wife if she thinks I'm good for another 30, she'll say I wasn't good for the first 30...

Bob Jones September 3rd, 2009 09:00:11 AM

Bob you are too funny!

Dr K, I empathize...as a rescuer we often get questions regarding our older dogs available for adoption.  Right now we have a 9 yr old English Bulldog.  All we can do for potential adopters with questions is quote our vet... his teeth are much older than 9, the rest of him much younger. 

Knowing he has already passed the average for his breed we pin our hopes on the fact that his breeder placed such a high premium on health in selecting which dogs to breed.

For my own pets, I do worry.  I think about the fact that as small mixed breeds I expect them to live into their mid-teens.. and being all about the same age they'll all be "old" together!  I don't let it rule how I deal with them but I do consider it as I plan for the future....

Beth P September 3rd, 2009 09:32:55 AM

Since we are on the subject of age, I see many clients who suffer from "pet age inflation": they claim their pet is older than my records indicate   I typically get a client claiming their pet is 15 years old when my records show that it was a 5 lb, 6 week old lab puppy 12 years ago on his first visit. Then their response is "Your records must be wrong". I don't argue since it really doesn't affect my care recommendations anyway.

Hobson September 3rd, 2009 03:53:17 PM

My own retriever died before his time... or after it, if you take into consideration the myriad of genetic disorders he struggled with his whole life.

However, something really ticked me off about this whole article (the original, not the Dr. K addition).  The owner attributes the dog's longevity to Dogswell treats.  

You read that right: Dogswell treats.

Dogswell, who have been rejected at the border for salmonella contamination.

Dogswell, whose treats are made of dried chicken... and made in China.

Dogswell, whose Joint treats have been found to have FAR less than the advertised glucosamine and chondroitin.  As in, less than 10% of what's on the package.

So, in answer to your question about the Guiness record (I too know dogs much older than the one mentioned) I suppose what it really takes is the will and perhaps a sponsor.  In this case, obviously... Dogswell.

This entire situation left a poor, poor taste in my mouth.

Kim September 3rd, 2009 07:21:20 PM

While I do agree with you, there are odd moments when it's advantageous to be able to guesstimate a pet's likely lifespan.  I mean, I could have 1000 cans of dog food stockpiled in my garage, instead of only 500.... 

Louie's Mom September 3rd, 2009 08:47:19 PM

When looking for a home for an older pet, these averages can be killers, literarily.

My current foster is a 10 year old boxer. The number you give above is "Boxer (10.4)". So, is Bimba on her last leg? Luckily, she was tied to a fence of a no-kill shlter and thus came to me as a foster. But enough kill shelters would have killed her based on that number alone.

I know this foster will probably last for a while. Good thing Bimba is a great dog :-)

Xslf September 5th, 2009 02:21:46 AM

Bimba is beautiful! What's a stinky old number in the face of all that gorgeousness? 

Dr. Patty Khuly September 5th, 2009 07:51:02 AM

Maybe my Golden Retriever helped nudge that average up. I adopted him when he was 9 years old and he lived to 17 years 4 days! At 13 he had a splenectomy and our vet suggested he may live 2 more years. Bentley honored us with 4 more years of goofy Golden antics. Our joke was that we got our money's worth from that surgery.

You never want a pet to die young, but as others have said, that's less painful than a pet living a life with too little attention, care, or love. I lost a cat to cancer when she was only 8. She died younger than we ever wanted, but every day of her life was spent in a home filled with love.

We "celebrate" birthdays not for "time lived" but for having our pets' wonderful personality in our lives. For Bentley, after 15 years old we celebrated half-birthdays, and even his "month" birthdays once he passed 16 years old. At 16 and 17 years old he even got to eat his own birthday cake (mashed potatoes decorated with dry food).

No matter when they go, it's hard. But if you've cared and love for them the best you can, it somehow makes it a little easier and there are fewer changes for regrets.

DBCA September 6th, 2009 04:20:18 PM

We have a female cat who is about 21 years old.  She is the last in a litter of three (we kept them all) whose mother decided to have her babies in our storage shed back in 1988.  She is deaf and pretty much sleeps all day but just by looking at her you would never know she was that old.  She is adored by my granddaughter who just loves to be with her.

Stormy September 7th, 2009 10:49:17 AM

Tessa, my matriarch French Bulldog, turns 15 years old this November. Other than being a wee bit dotty, she's in great health, and we treasure every day we have with her.

She shares the house with an assortment of her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and great great grandkids, and still rules the house with an iron fist. 

FrogDog Blog

FrogDogz September 9th, 2009 07:03:30 PM

I find it sad someone would not get a larger dog just because it has a life expectancy shorter than smaller dogs. I fail to really understand why that should matter.

"The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long." - Laozi (Tao Te Ching) (and Blade Runner ^.^)

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