Jessie

Jessie enjoying her new bed

Jessie is almost 14 years old. She is slowing down quite a bit and seems to be having lots of pain in her back and legs. I had her seen by our vet last week and after examining her, he told me her legs were weaker than they were when he had seen her just a few weeks earlier. She is now refusing to use the ramp we have in the back yard that allows her to get back onto the deck to get back into the house. She will go down the ramp into the yard but she will not use it to go back up. It seems to be either a fear, a pain issue, or a depth perception issue. So we have had to devise a workaround that is very involved so that I can bring her back into the house through the garage.
I also have her on lots of pain medication too.

I don't know how much longer we can do this. It's apparent when she squats that her legs are not strong. She stumbles and falls sometimes and struggles to get up. My fear is she will fall outside and I will not be able to get her up. I can't have that happen to her.
I know "the decision" is coming and I don't want to have to make it. But I will, for her sake. It's not about me. It has to be only about her.
So for now, we are taking it one day at a time. She is getting lots of extra love and all the treats she wants.