There is no way they'll ever be able to come inside. Not a chance. I can beg until I am blue in the face but there is no way the parents will ever allow them in. Also, when they do come in such as at bonfire, they just pant and drink a lot more water like I stated above. They aren't used to the central heating. Another, younger daughter of Mists was kept indoors and she had to be put down in June last year due to a womb infection that spread to her kidneys and she was about 2 weeks off her 10th birthday so I don't think that Jess and Mist have done too bad. I know that being indoors didn't cause her illness but being indoors doesn't prevent anything really and make them healthier. I don't think being outdoors has done our Jess any harm. She is fitter and healthier than many dogs several years younger than her. Obviously, she could come down with anything not even related to arthritis at her age but that could happen no matter what. It's just one of those things.
I admit, I'd like them to be able to come in more just to be with them more if the weather is bad but it won't happen here unfortunately. No amount of people saying they should be brought in will change a thing regarding how my parents feels about it. Also, if she did come in and barked at night in the house..now that WOULD keep everyone in our house awake.

Anyway, it seems that Mist is unable to hold herself from 10pm until first thing the next morning and is peeing in the shed. I had a feeling this would happen so I am putting down layers of newspaper with a sheet of waterproof plastic at the base for her to pee on then I can just change it every morning. I doubt she'll learn how to hold herself now at her age and I don't think she is able to anyway due to age. I think she has just gotten a bit incontinent.

I didn't hear her bark last night btw. I haven't heard her today either but it has rained all day. Been very miserable.

We haven't had any storms or fireworks, other than on new years eve when I brought the dogs in, cetainly nothing that would have worried Mist when her hearing was perfect. I think now that it is more down to creating some sound for herself to break the deadly silence because she doesn't seem to do it so much if it is windy and bad weather that creates enough sound, she does it most when it is calm and quiet. Also, if there are fireworks or thunder, she doesn't bark then either or whine even. She gets worried and you can see it but not vocal.