--updated page 48--Rockee's time too?

**chocolatepuppy** · 03-08-2008, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Catlady711

I do have to dissagree a bit.

Reaching such an advanced age doesn't neccesarily mean either of those things are guaranteed.

I've seen dogs at work reach advanced age and were loved but rarely cared for over the years when they needed it (which makes me doubt the loved part). An uncle of mine had a lab that got up to 15yrs with poor quality food, lots of table scraps, not one single vet visit in his life, looked like crap towards the last few years, thin, could barely walk, hair falling out, but did manage to survive to 15. They loved the dog sure but relatives or not I think they did a crappy job caring for the dog and was glad they never got another dog again.

I've also known many, (too many) animals that were not only loved but cared for well above and beyond duty and yet the animals left this world way too young through no fault of the owners.

Based on those and quite a few other scenarios I've seen, age is not always a determining factor of the care of an animal.

You're exactly right, I have no idea, they could be treating their dog like crap for all I know, silly of me to assume.

**Catty1** · 03-08-2008, 06:40 PM

Hi, lorn.

I think Catlady was speaking from her own experience, that's all.

You now have had two dogs that got to a good age, and that does speak well for the care they got.

There are some exceptions to that rule - as Catlady said, at her work (vet's office) she has seen many old animals who were NOT well cared for. Just that age is not always a guarantee of good care.

And - she has seen many young, loved, and well-cared for animals that die way too young for no reason.

It's just that age all by itself doesn't guarantee anything.

I can understand you being really sensitive about this, with Rockee so sick, and you just lost Thunder so recently. I really think CL was just pointing out some things, not fingers.

{{{{hugs}}}}

buttercup mentioned that Rockee is also very overweight. Did the vet mention about putting her on diet food?

HUGS and I hope you get a good vet on your next visit!

**Catty1** · 03-08-2008, 06:41 PM

Hi, lorn.

I think Catlady was speaking from her own experience, that's all.

You now have had two dogs that got to a good age, and that does speak well for the care they got.

There are some exceptions to that rule - as Catlady said, at her work (vet's office) she has seen many old animals who were NOT well cared for. Just that age is not always a guarantee of good care.

And - she has seen many young, loved, and well-cared for animals that die way too young for no reason.

It's just that age all by itself doesn't guarantee anything.

I can understand you being really sensitive about this, with Rockee so sick, and you just lost Thunder so recently. I really think CL was just pointing out some things, not fingers.

{{{{hugs}}}}

buttercup mentioned that Rockee is also very overweight. Did the vet mention about putting her on diet food? She might at least be a bit more comfy if she slimmed down a bit. But check with your vet.

HUGS and I hope you get a good vet on your next visit!

**lorn** · 03-08-2008, 07:27 PM

We will be contacting the vet again on Monday, I have been monitoring her water intake like they asked me to do.
Yes Rocky has been overweight for years now, she really and truley doesnt over eat and Barley ever does she get table scraps, because both her and Thunder seemed to not tollerate a treat from the table.... Stomaches wouldnt like it.
She has been this way since she was spayed years ago.
Rock Has troubles getting up and down the stairs she takes it step by step going up and on the way down its almost as though she is hopping down. Funny to watch actually.
She seems to spin in a circle when she gets up from laying down.
And she paces alot and cannot seem to settle for too long... So obviously she is uncomftable.
I am sure either myself or Ali will update you all once we speak again to the vet, I am asking to speak to the same vet we had for Thunder, because she was very compassionate and I found I could understand what she was talking about more. Where as this last one spoke in vet language and I dont know how to explain it, but We just didnt like him.....

**Catty1** · 03-08-2008, 07:37 PM

I can see that...some people are great vets, but just don't know how to translate their stuff into 'owner-talk' - some folks are just not communicators.

I hope you get that vet too.

I'm glad to hear they rarely get table scraps, as it doesn't take much to pack stuff on a critter. But if she is older and doesn't move as much, maybe ask about a sample of Senior kibble, which still has nutrition but will be lower in calories.

I know she has other serious issues...I hope you find an answer. Just ask the vet about weight/food and if it might apply to Rockee's health right now.

{{{hugs}}}

**elizabethann** · 03-08-2008, 08:43 PM

Have you tried giving your dog glucosomene (spelling??)?

That might help. Ask your vet about it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

**Catlady711** · 03-08-2008, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Catty1

Hi, lorn.

I think Catlady was speaking from her own experience, that's all.

You now have had two dogs that got to a good age, and that does speak well for the care they got.

There are some exceptions to that rule - as Catlady said, at her work (vet's office) she has seen many old animals who were NOT well cared for. Just that age is not always a guarantee of good care.

And - she has seen many young, loved, and well-cared for animals that die way too young for no reason.

It's just that age all by itself doesn't guarantee anything.

I can understand you being really sensitive about this, with Rockee so sick, and you just lost Thunder so recently. I really think CL was just pointing out some things, not fingers.

Thank you for answering that for me. I think you did a better job of it that I would. lol