My heart goes out to you. I also have a 15 1/2 year old dog. She has rallied yet again after some kind of doggie stroke a few weeks ago. A day at a time I guess. Sending hugs
-Susan

Thanks so much Taffy, Cheri and Susan for your kind words. It is comforting hearing from others who have gone through the same thing at some point.

Cheri -- In my "former life" when married, we had two German Shepherd Dogs also. That's a lot of dog!!!! Our last one had to be put down with hip dysplasia, incontinence, etc. Aren't those Jack Russells pretty hyper? Always think of those races on TV where they chase that "furry thing" into the little hole. Looks like they just about knock themselves out, especially if they miss the hole! Throw that ball!!!!

Susan -- Continued good health to your old girl. What kind of dog is it? Thank you for your good thoughts.

My son and his family were here today so that was good -- took my mind off of things for awhile. Monday probably will be a lousy day because I'm supposed to get her ashes then.

If it was ever possible for me to get another dog, I had thought about adopting a "senior" since I sure couldn't handle a puppy at this stage. And yes, Sally, maybe even a service dog. Just have to wait awhile and see what happens.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Hugs........

I have always Shepherds because they are so smart, and almost like having another person in the house. I used to talk to mine like they were my kids, and they followed my hand commands.

The Jack Russell I have may be a mix with Fox Terrier, although the vet says he's likely pure bred. He is a little bigger then most I've seen, but he definitley has the temperament of a "normal" JR. They ARE hyper, great protectors, and very, very smart. This one is 8 yrs old now, and he can still learn new tricks.

They need their daily exercise, but he knows how to make fun for himself too. If I give him his ball, he will race around the yard throwing it up in the air for himself. In the past, we had a routine of a daily "play-time" of about 15 min in the morning and evening, and that was very satisfactory to him. Since we moved to a house with a bigger deck/yard, I can just sit at the top and throw or kick the ball 5 - 10 times every time I am out on the deck, and that is just fine by him too.

He isn't naughty like my shepherds, and never wrecks anything if things don't go his way. In the Winter, he is quite content with very little to no exercise, but likes to be pet more then. He's the easiest dog I've every had, actually.

Good luck on Monday.

Cherie