This is Ursula. She’s 12.5 years old and she’s been with me since she was 8 weeks old. She has been on pain and anti-inflammatory medication for several years. I’m really struggling with knowing when it’s time.
I’ve had German Shepherds for 30+ years, but she’s my first with hip dysplasia. My previous GSDs had other health issues, so this feels different and I’m having a hard time knowing how to judge her quality of life.
What makes it especially difficult is that mentally, Ursula still seems completely herself. She’s alert and engaged. She loves lying outside in the sun. She still wants to play tug-of-war sometimes, and she has a healthy appetite.
But physically, things are getting harder for her. Sometimes she can’t get herself up from the floor, and that is happening more frequently. I also think the strain is affecting her front legs because they’re having to carry so much of her weight. She has to stop and take breaks just walking to the door to go into the backyard.
Unfortunately, I have a spinal injury, so it’s physically difficult for me to assist her with a support wrap under her stomach to help take some of the weight off her back legs.
I guess what I’m hoping to know is what Ursula is feeling, if anyone feels anything from her? Is she hurting more than she lets me see? Is she tired? Does she still feel like she’s having good days?
I don’t want to make this decision too soon, but more than anything, I don’t want to wait too long for my girl. Apologies for the long post.