As a pet owner and lover, I have always been passionate about providing the best care for my furry friends. However, as my Hong Kong Dog Rescue dogs Flapper and Jennifer grew older, I faced new challenges in their care. With every diagnosis of arthritis, Cushing’s disease, kidney failure, and eventually dementia, I was advised by well-meaning professionals to consider euthanasia. Unfazed, I instead turned to the internet, where I found that there was a lack of accessible and reliable information on the topic. Eventually, though, I happened upon troves of valuable advice and experience in communities dedicated to senior dog care and specific ailments.
Flapper and Jennifer are no longer here, after 15 and 18 full years, respectively. When I look back, I realize that if I hadn’t found the resources I had found, their lives would have certainly have been cut short much earlier.
This led me to start this blog, to provide pet owners with helpful tips and actionable advice on caring for their senior dogs.
Shoutouts to these groups that really helped me when I was at a loss for what to do:
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) Support Group
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group
iHeartSeniorDogs
SUPPORT GROUP FOR OWNERS OF DOGS with CUSHINGS DISEASE
Dogs with Arthritis
My Position on Euthanasia
As a pet owner, the decision to euthanize a pet is one of the hardest decisions to make. It is a personal choice that should be made with careful consideration of the pet’s quality of life and well-being.
While I believe that euthanasia can be a humane and compassionate option for pets with terminal illnesses or suffering, I also believe that it should not be a decision taken lightly. It is important to explore all available options for care and treatment before considering euthanasia.
That’s where The WOOF Line comes in. It’s my hope that through these articles, you might be inspired by lifestyle hacks, supplements, or medications you can speak to your vet about, that could make caring for your dog manageable. While I haven’t tried everything personally, the things I do present have led to some successes by other pet owners or have really great reviews, so I think it’s worth exploring.
If you’re like me, there comes a point when I’d be willing to give anything a try to make my life and my fur babies lives easier!
Senior dog care isn’t impossible
Caring for senior dogs can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding and fulfilling experience. As a pet owner, it is our responsibility to provide the best care possible for our furry friends, especially as they age. I started this blog to help pet owners navigate the challenges of senior dog care and provide them with reliable information and advice. By providing our senior dogs with the best care possible, we can ensure that they live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives in their golden years.
Tina, Founder of The WOOF Line
In loving memory of Flapper (2005-2023) and Jennifer (2004-2019)
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. The author is not liable for any errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information provided.