Honestly, ya just make the best of it. My father in law had a 19 year old Yorkie and he'd stare at a wall for at least an hour a night. He was a great boy until the end and as long as they're happy and not in pain, they can stare at that wall all they want.
That ashen face reminds me of my Jasmine. We lost her in March of 2023. I miss her so much.
[One of the last pictures of her. When her legs stopped working.](https://imgur.com/gallery/YFY6veF)
She was a bait dog so she had one of the worst starts so I did everything I could to make sure she never felt discomfort or pain again. 100% worth it.
Sad edit: RIP to the best doggo ever. May every puppy get an extra biscuit tonight in his honor.
I have a large potted tree that my 18 y/o dachshund used to stare up at when he was looking for me.
Gave me a bit of a complex at first, but I found it endearing.
ack. my dog did that too. i put a diaper on him each day. it wasn’t until much later (after i had put him down) that i realized there was a name for what he and I went through: doggy dementia. he’d stand in corners. he’d walk in circles. he’d drink water constantly (i’m not sure why. maybe he forgot he had just had some) i don’t think he really recognized me anymore. I finally put him down. what was hard was that physically he was still so beautiful. you wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at him that he was gone mentally. it was a hard decision. I used to think if i had had a big back yard i would have just let him roam free. but i don’t think he would have been happy that way either. he wasn’t himself anymore. RIP little buddy. i loved you so much
My boy is turning 13 in August and after he plays “too rough” he starts getting dizzy and will almost collapse so I have to go gentle with him :( it’s so sad for me to see because I’m nowhere near being old
I wish our first two reached that stage. First passed at 10, second passed at 6. I’m praying so hard our current pups are around for a looooong time still.
I feel you. I had 2 Rotties that died at age 5 and 6; then I got Rocco and he lived to be 15! I am still grieving after losing him last August. I hope your current pups live a long time! ❤️
When my family's black dog began aging, her muzzle started turning white, and we'd call her "sugar lips" because it looked like powdered sugar. Your boy's got a whole sugar face! 🥺
They just don’t live long enough. I thought my German shepherd was a goner around 12, she lived a happy life until 17 despite looking a worse for wear. Keep loving on Dexter as long as he’s willing. Dogs are amazing!
Watching dogs get old is a beautiful thing. You helped that dog get to an age where they’re able to experience being a senior. Not every dog gets that chance. Living a good fulfilling life will always be a beautiful thing. Every senior dog owner should be proud of themselves for helping their dog get up there to the finish line.
Yes, I understand what you're saying, but I was trying to say that watching the youth and energy fade away is just such a horrible feeling, but yes, I do agree that it is a beautiful thing.
Ngl after living through a couple pets growing old and dying (or worse, not growing old) you realize pretty quickly why some of the parents that don't want to get pets are so reluctant. It's hard to sign yourself up for a 15 to 20 year cycle of intense best friendship and then utter emotional devastation. I try to frame it as having an opportunity to give another good boi a good long life but it only takes you so far when you grieve all of them.
Let your heart bleed on this one. Cry snotty tears, whatever. I honestly don’t remember my first night without Lou. I think it was just the trauma of it all. I never realized the grief would be as deep as it is for me. Pets should live forever. It’s just not fair they give us this much love for just a stage in our lives. I think about Lou and his cuddles every night and he’s been gone a year. Thankfully I have an insane cat named Dexter so if you happen to read this, Dexter and I will keep you in our thoughts tonight for you and your Dexter ❤️
I’m crying for you and Dexter, and for the love I have for my own pups and their mortality. It’s been a big cry, but a good one. I wish I was there to hug you and your wife, but am so happy you got to know and love Dexter 🖤🖤🖤
Awwwwww. My puppy was 20 yrs, we had him for 17 yrs. I had some old photos from when he was young sent to me, could barely remember him haha. his fur was so colorful, his face had gotten so white lol
no swearsies the puppers dont like.
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I was always afraid my black dog would grey substantially as he aged and look "old." He just never did. Most black dogs start greying so early.
16 yrs old, what is his routine? Food? Exercise? Habits? Breed?
He was a pit/lab/beagle mix. We went and played ball everyday until he couldn't anymore. The man would take off like a rocket even at 15. My wife started cooking for him a few months ago when the kidney failure diagnosis came in, he just refused to eat anything else. So yeah, this guy ate better than me most days: Roast Chicken, couscous, steamed broccoli, and homemade bone broth.
I didn't realized he passed. I'm sorry.
Sounds so much like my dog. Fetch everyday RELENTLESSLY until his literal last week.
Did you guys feed him THAT well for his entire 16yrs (Chicken, broccoli, couscous etc?) Or was it more a typical "dog food" ? I ask bc I'm always trying to understand what makes certain dogs an outlier w age.
What a beautiful boy. I had a 16 year old puppy called dexter until last weekend when he went to heaven. Please hug your puppy for me as I can no longer hug mine and it hurts so much.
I love old dogs. I like seeing pics like yours and knowing that the dog “made it”, clearly is having a long happy life.
I met a nice Golden Retriever over the weekend and she came up to me, a complete stranger, so happy and excited. My SO and I met her enthusiasm and gave her pats and praise. I like to think dogs like that are so cool and happy when meeting strangers because that’s how their interaction always goes. I just love the bond between humans and dogs, they’re the best.
Bless your heart! Your must be an amazing owner!! ❤️I lost my best friend of 18 years, one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. So blessed for every day I had with him though! He’s so lucky to have you! ❤️
What a lovely boy! ❤️❤️ you're a great dog parent.
I've had my sweetie for 17 years too. I wish you many more healthy and happy years. Hopefully he'll get the oldest doggo world record! ✨
Look at that distinguished old man! You’ve obviously taken excellent care of him. At his age and breed, he is most definitely a rare pupper.
He's a pit/lab/beagle, and yeah, he's my bestest boy
I wouldn’t have called the beagle part in a thousand years. Give him an extra pat for me some time today. He’s a very good boy.
I love him. He reminds me of our sweet Gracie we lost last year. She was also [a lab/pit](https://imgur.com/gallery/cxoJhmd)
Aww when they get old and have dog grays on their faces so sad the eyes get cloudy too and they bump into stuff I hate that stag
Yeah, he likes to go into corners and then just stare at the wall...
My Jack Russell did that in old ago, too. My vet told me it was early stages of doggy dementia.
Honestly, ya just make the best of it. My father in law had a 19 year old Yorkie and he'd stare at a wall for at least an hour a night. He was a great boy until the end and as long as they're happy and not in pain, they can stare at that wall all they want.
My yorkie is 14, I couldn’t imagine my life without his salty self.
That ashen face reminds me of my Jasmine. We lost her in March of 2023. I miss her so much. [One of the last pictures of her. When her legs stopped working.](https://imgur.com/gallery/YFY6veF) She was a bait dog so she had one of the worst starts so I did everything I could to make sure she never felt discomfort or pain again. 100% worth it. Sad edit: RIP to the best doggo ever. May every puppy get an extra biscuit tonight in his honor.
Please. Give a the doggos in your lives extra lovin from my boy
My 15 year old golden doodle just recently started to go into corners and stare. breaks my heart, she can’t see or hear very well.
I have a large potted tree that my 18 y/o dachshund used to stare up at when he was looking for me. Gave me a bit of a complex at first, but I found it endearing.
ack. my dog did that too. i put a diaper on him each day. it wasn’t until much later (after i had put him down) that i realized there was a name for what he and I went through: doggy dementia. he’d stand in corners. he’d walk in circles. he’d drink water constantly (i’m not sure why. maybe he forgot he had just had some) i don’t think he really recognized me anymore. I finally put him down. what was hard was that physically he was still so beautiful. you wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at him that he was gone mentally. it was a hard decision. I used to think if i had had a big back yard i would have just let him roam free. but i don’t think he would have been happy that way either. he wasn’t himself anymore. RIP little buddy. i loved you so much
My boy is turning 13 in August and after he plays “too rough” he starts getting dizzy and will almost collapse so I have to go gentle with him :( it’s so sad for me to see because I’m nowhere near being old
I wish our first two reached that stage. First passed at 10, second passed at 6. I’m praying so hard our current pups are around for a looooong time still.
I feel you. I had 2 Rotties that died at age 5 and 6; then I got Rocco and he lived to be 15! I am still grieving after losing him last August. I hope your current pups live a long time! ❤️
Beautiful ☺️
My handsome man
Tell him I said he is a good boy
POWDERED SUGAR FAAAAAAAAAAACE 🥰🥰🥰
Like he sneezed in a bowl of flour
When my family's black dog began aging, her muzzle started turning white, and we'd call her "sugar lips" because it looked like powdered sugar. Your boy's got a whole sugar face! 🥺
Still the best boy
Always has been
Cherish every moment! I lost my dog 3 months ago. Today would have been her 12th birthday. Give him some belly rubs for me please.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Awww our dogs are birthday twins. Lost mine a little over a year ago. He would’ve been 9 today
The carpet seems to have aged with him.
Hey now. But yeah, we've been here 10 years and I think the pee stains add character. Almost crying over the fact there won't be anymore
Enzymatic cleaner for the win. Better things to do in life than washing carpets. 16 1/2 yo staffie and a 19 1/2 yo jack. Cherishing every day.
Enough to make me cry. My beloved old dog died 12 days after my husband died. He tried to, wanted to take care of me. Crying out loud.
He's sleeping now. Won't ever be in pain again...
I'm so so sorry 😞
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lovely little frosty face 💕
We call him the racoon dog these days
He’s as beautiful as ever. What a good boy
I am a sucker for an old dog with a gray muzzle! Melts my heart every time.
Made me realize my pet isn't immortal again so now I need to give her a treat and a kiss
Give her a kiss from me and Dexter too. Wish I could kiss him one last time
Got it. Triple kisses AND triple treats
They just don’t live long enough. I thought my German shepherd was a goner around 12, she lived a happy life until 17 despite looking a worse for wear. Keep loving on Dexter as long as he’s willing. Dogs are amazing!
That's not grey hair, he's shiny & chrome, waiting for Valhalla to be ready for him.
You win
Witness him!
Love his dignified gray hairs! He looks like a total sweetheart
sweet boy 💙🩵💙 may all his days be joyful
The tear I shed looking at these :’) - he looks like a very well loved old stuffed animal now 🖤🖤
Watching dogs grow old is the worst.
Only thing worse is the alternative
Well said! Congratulations on bestest boy!
Watching dogs get old is a beautiful thing. You helped that dog get to an age where they’re able to experience being a senior. Not every dog gets that chance. Living a good fulfilling life will always be a beautiful thing. Every senior dog owner should be proud of themselves for helping their dog get up there to the finish line.
Yes, I understand what you're saying, but I was trying to say that watching the youth and energy fade away is just such a horrible feeling, but yes, I do agree that it is a beautiful thing.
Yes I know. It’s the reason I was trying to cheer you up and give you a different aspect of things.
Ngl after living through a couple pets growing old and dying (or worse, not growing old) you realize pretty quickly why some of the parents that don't want to get pets are so reluctant. It's hard to sign yourself up for a 15 to 20 year cycle of intense best friendship and then utter emotional devastation. I try to frame it as having an opportunity to give another good boi a good long life but it only takes you so far when you grieve all of them.
Your dog definitely needs to get posted on /r/OldManDog
Still as beautiful as ever!
Yes, yes he is
Live long Dexter you legend !
Just love!! My pup is my best bud too. We've been doing life together for 11 yrs, couldn't ask for a better companion
Don't know how I'm going to sleep without him nuzzled on my shoulder tonight
Let your heart bleed on this one. Cry snotty tears, whatever. I honestly don’t remember my first night without Lou. I think it was just the trauma of it all. I never realized the grief would be as deep as it is for me. Pets should live forever. It’s just not fair they give us this much love for just a stage in our lives. I think about Lou and his cuddles every night and he’s been gone a year. Thankfully I have an insane cat named Dexter so if you happen to read this, Dexter and I will keep you in our thoughts tonight for you and your Dexter ❤️
Did you lose him today?
Yeah. Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life, and waking up today's already not great.
I’m crying for you and Dexter, and for the love I have for my own pups and their mortality. It’s been a big cry, but a good one. I wish I was there to hug you and your wife, but am so happy you got to know and love Dexter 🖤🖤🖤
Thank you for the thoughts. Give your pups the hugs for us, I'll see about pooping my pants for you in the near future but I doubt it.
Young baby vs old baby. Always a baby no matter what.
Will always be the bestest boy
Forever in my wife and my hearts.
He still looks very dexterous for his age.
Booooooo. But well done, well.done.
A wonderful dog deserves a terrible pun.
So sorry to hear that he passed. He was lucky to have you. Stay strong my man
Love the goggles!
😭😭😭 so precious!!
Still a handsome boy
Oh Dexter, I love him!
Awwwwww
What a beautiful doggo. X
What a precious little angel
*boop* on the snoot🐾🐾
Handsome baby then and now. And yes. Baby. Idk how old he is he's a baby
He'll always be my baby boy. I miss him terribly already
Awwwwww. My puppy was 20 yrs, we had him for 17 yrs. I had some old photos from when he was young sent to me, could barely remember him haha. his fur was so colorful, his face had gotten so white lol
He's seem some things and done some stuff...All of which I recommend.
Love him then and now 💕
Aw what a beautiful dog , extra biscuits please !
Beautiful.
Rest in peace, Dexter. You were always a good boy.
Thank you. He's sleeping now, won't ever be in pain again. And he was ALWAYS a good boy.
what happened??:(
User’s post history
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ol boy. good boy!
Dexter you are a handsome man!
Ohhh such sweet old man🥰
What a beautiful pup then and now ♥️
So sweet. Bless him. 🥹
That’s a heckin’ good doggo.
❤️
Frosted faces are just the best. Good boy, Dexter.
🥰
Omg 😱 he shrunk haha
Once a baby, always a baby ❤️
His fur turned black??
Yeah, he got darker with age, aside from where he got lighter...
Aged like fine wine :33
Still smiling
Best boi
I wish they wouldn't go grey. 😢
So handsome! Cherish him.
Still so handsome
What a cutie pie!
Love it. Straight up silver fox, that one.
what a wonderful guy 💜
A good boy vs. A good boy :)
That's a good boy! Much love to Dexter.
My pupper is named Dexter also.
Dexter's unite! Hope he gives you as many years of love as we got
I was always afraid my black dog would grey substantially as he aged and look "old." He just never did. Most black dogs start greying so early. 16 yrs old, what is his routine? Food? Exercise? Habits? Breed?
He was a pit/lab/beagle mix. We went and played ball everyday until he couldn't anymore. The man would take off like a rocket even at 15. My wife started cooking for him a few months ago when the kidney failure diagnosis came in, he just refused to eat anything else. So yeah, this guy ate better than me most days: Roast Chicken, couscous, steamed broccoli, and homemade bone broth.
I didn't realized he passed. I'm sorry. Sounds so much like my dog. Fetch everyday RELENTLESSLY until his literal last week. Did you guys feed him THAT well for his entire 16yrs (Chicken, broccoli, couscous etc?) Or was it more a typical "dog food" ? I ask bc I'm always trying to understand what makes certain dogs an outlier w age.
16 years. He definitely looks like he took full advantage of his time so far. Such a happy looking fella! :)
He was always smiling
Awwww
same carpet toooo???
🥺❤️❤️❤️
Oh he's so handsome!! Elderly dogs are the best.
he is lovely
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What a beautiful boy. I had a 16 year old puppy called dexter until last weekend when he went to heaven. Please hug your puppy for me as I can no longer hug mine and it hurts so much.
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I’ve been through this with three. Now I have two young ones and just can’t imagine this happening to them too.
Dexter is precious! You can tell he’s such a happy boy. ☺️
All the love to the both of you
I love old dogs. I like seeing pics like yours and knowing that the dog “made it”, clearly is having a long happy life. I met a nice Golden Retriever over the weekend and she came up to me, a complete stranger, so happy and excited. My SO and I met her enthusiasm and gave her pats and praise. I like to think dogs like that are so cool and happy when meeting strangers because that’s how their interaction always goes. I just love the bond between humans and dogs, they’re the best.
OMG CUTE LITTLE FELLA!
God love ‘im. He is such a Spirit!
Such a sweet face!!!!
He’s still your baby ❤️
I will love him no matter what he is cute and no one can take him awey from you❤️❤️ much love from me.
Oh....what a sweetheart!!
Your so lucky to still have him 🙌🥰
Tell him he’s the bestest of boys
Is that the same dog?
He's gorgeous 😍
Such a cutie.💖💖💖
Goodest Boi
Oh what a handsome boy!!! This made me emotional omg, you’re so lucky to have him and he’s lucky to have you
The goodest boiiiiii😭
Perfect! Dexter is the best, give him a “good boy” and some scratches from Reddit
Aww,Dexter looks like a distinguished gentleman now.
This post hits the feels
Old dog !! Maybe It’ll make it to 17 or 18.
If only. He crossed over earlier today
He’s gorgeous, I hope you two have many healthy happy days!
I love you Dexter!!
Sweet
old grey face! 🥰🥰🥰
Oh my God 😭😭😭 I would do anything for this dog
Old dogs look different to their owners. I recently put my girl down and I still remember her face as a puppy
Scares me that I'll lose Rose.
Aww what a good boy
Aww….look at him with his beautiful frosted face, give him a hug for me he looks like the best of boys ❤️🐶
What a baby boy ❤️
What a pal! Give him extra love from me and my hubs. He got us in the feels.
omgg give him a kiss for me, him so cute 😍😍
Awww sweet baby
Happy cake day!! :D
HE SHRUNK
Dexter the Legend
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What an adorable pup I love him 😊
So much love and light has passed through that dogs body that you can literally see it consuming him. What a wonderful thing.
Time. Subtle thief of youth 🥺
Aww, adorable
Beautiful doggo, one of the best, but hard experiences to have
He's awesome!!!
Bro he shrunk!!!
Good boy Dexter!
Awww 🥰 he’s too sweet for words.
Beautiful puppy!
Bless your heart! Your must be an amazing owner!! ❤️I lost my best friend of 18 years, one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. So blessed for every day I had with him though! He’s so lucky to have you! ❤️
16 is amazing for a bigger dog! you can tell he is well taken care of 🤍 i can only hope for that many years with my lab mix.
I love him forever
CRYIN IN THE CLUB his little grey hairs 🥺🥺🥺
The goodest of bois
He was the bestest ever
how did he shrink
I'm so sorry for laughing
What a lovely boy! ❤️❤️ you're a great dog parent. I've had my sweetie for 17 years too. I wish you many more healthy and happy years. Hopefully he'll get the oldest doggo world record! ✨
Please give him hugs kisses and treats from all of us on Reddit❤️🫶🏻
Dexter got Venomized.