I had a similar adjustment with Juneau regarding stairs, I am also in a 2 level house, though at the time my stairs were carpeted which made them a little easier. I had a downstairs roommate who Juneau would regularly go to see, and even though eventually they moved out, Junebug still liked to make the rounds downstairs after they left. At some point I noticed that he was less stable and safe moving up and down the stairs so I decided to baby-gate off the stairwell and keep him up on the main level. If it’s any consolance, it was over a year ago that I had to do that, so maybe as long as you keep Delia on a low-impact lifestyle she’ll have lots more good time with your family 💖

So sorry for your loss 🫂

I also had to let go of my 14 year old boy Juneau yesterday, I take solace knowing he had a friend with him while he went over the rainbow bridge.

Take care today, you are in my thoughts ❤️

It means a ton, thank you 🙏

Thank you 🙏

I’d say I agree with the other commenter. You know your girl best and will be able to tell if she is still happy and able to live her life in a fulfilling way. From what you mentioned, it sounds like she is still able to do the things she loves with you without undue difficulty ❤️

With Juneau, even though he was still happy to see me and his other favorite people, enjoyed barking at squirrels while he meandered about his yard, still wanted to play fetch, good appetite, strong heart, all the same spirit was there, but I knew his physical body was failing him. It was primarily his hips and back legs. He had similar hip problems as your girlie and while they had been manageable for a long time, I’d say in the past several months the muscles in his hindquarters were becoming very weak which really changed his ability to live at his own liberty. He was having trouble lifting his hips up off the ground and the amount of time that he could spend up doing what he liked was waning quickly. Especially toward the end when he did stand he was a bit wobbly and unstable with his hind legs so he could only spend so much time up before having to rest again. In the last couple weeks, I could tell just getting up to drink water, eat his meals, or get out to the yard was more challenging than it ought to be. I know he was still objectively happy with his companions and all the extra time I spent petting him, but he had always been an independent dog (part Pyrenees so while he loved his people/pack, he still greatly valued his space and autonomy) and that independence was pretty much gone.

I hope you and Delia have as much good time together as you can, give her some extra snuggles and snacks for me ❤️

Totally get it, Juneau was okay-ish about clinic visits, but always anxious to get back home. Also helps that he assumed all humans were friends who wanted to pet him, so to him, the more the merrier ❤️

Give your boy some extra snuggles for me tonight, and maybe some extras of his favorite treats, too.

Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you also take care in the coming days 🙏

Thank you 🙏

Your boy is also gorgeous, they’ll make a striking duo ❤️ I will have you in my thoughts tomorrow, sending you strength and support.

I’ve had and lost a few other dogs, but it hurts just as bad each time. I do know it was his time, but it’s so tough when they still have that youthful glint in their eyes. Just grateful that my clinic does at home visits, so he got to go at home with his other animal companions, favorite people, as cozy as possible.

Thank you 🙏 he really was extravagant, and especially in his old age always cozied up nearby. Gonna miss those old boy snores.

Thank you 🙏 Been crying on and off for the 3 days leading up to today, surprised I have any tears left to shed. And indeed they will, he was such a great, loyal dog. And a hairy one, too, I think I will find tufts of his hair around my place for as long as I stay here. Hairstorm was his special power ❤️