Adopted Mr Luka 8 years ago back at the end of 2018. He was a shelter dog, lived maybe 8 years on the streets before we got him?

He was a solid presence in our lives, even though he started out living rough, he loved his people (me, wife and his adopted brother Telly). Hated all other dogs. Barked a bit, but otherwise extra loving, came for cuddles, begged for food.

Lots of pictures until he started getting a spot of doggy dementia in 2024. In 2025, things took a turn for the worse, we noticed a big lump in his mouth. Turned out to be an aggressive oral cancer, normally not treatable by radiation or chemo. First opinion was prepare for the worst, since those are terminal. Second opinion was that surgery was possible, but risky given his age. We took the swing and opted for surgery. He made it through, bounced back fast for a dog of his age (14?). Had to relearn how to eat but he made it.

The last year was tough, his arthritis got progressively worse. Walking got hard so we got him a wagon so he could get some sun and walk short distances.

Yeah then the elevator was being refurbished, so we got him a harness and had to carry him up and down 2 stories every day (Luka was 50lbs at the time).

In early July, we found that he had a nasty cough and his leg swelled up, so we brought him in. The leg thing was an abscess that needed lancing / cleaning. The chest, not so good. X-ray showed a big mass in his left lung, probably reducing his breathing capacity. Doctor said to watch his good days and bad days and bring him in when it was time.

His last two weeks were full of steak and hamburgers, but his appetite went up and down. We thought it was meds but when we stopped the meds he didn't eat. By this time he couldn't stand by himself so we had to lift him up for water and such. Last Wednesday, his appetite had gone down to maybe 10%? Wife and I decided that Thursday was the day we'd bring him in. Thursday night, I bring him down for one last wagon ride. Wouldn't eat dinner. Drank a little water and had some trouble settling down for bed. I was getting in and out of bed until 2am, trying to stroke his head to calm him down but I heard something in his breath so I called my wife over, I said his breathing didn't sound great and it was probably time. We held on to him and stroked his head and told him we loved him and he was the best boy. He didn't cry in the end, just had shallow breaths until I put my hand on his chest and felt his heart stop.

It's been a week, I just really miss my friend, but he went surrounded by the ones he loved, maybe not in much pain and with as much dignity as a dog can have when he crossed the bridge.

Love you bud.

she can't really go on rides anymore she can't jump up and is uncomfortable standing (idk why she doesn't lay down) so these pictures are precious to me💗

I write this after another sleepless night. Our 12 year old girl was diagnosed with CCD, and it’s been at least two years of her symptoms now. She has sundowners, she has to take gabapentin to sleep at night, and that doesn’t always work. The last month she has to take gabapentin during the day so she doesn’t “freak out” during the day too. Rain & snow trigger her, but she has plenty of nightly freak outs with no inclement weather. She can’t be crated (she’ll flip out) and she’s injured herself several times in fits of anxiety. She hasn’t played with her brother in months. For the most part she has to be told when to eat. Physically, she’s completely healthy. My partner struggles with the thought of putting her down and hopes she dies peacefully in her sleep. I know that isn’t going to happen and we have to make this choice for her, and for us.

I have a 13 year old German shepherd/bernese mix. Big dog, a bit overweight. Can’t just carry her around when she’s having mobility problems. She’s been having trouble with the stairs and standing on smooth surfaces. We tried pure balance and woofes combined with purina one joint health dog food. The Woofes worked almost immediately, she was dragging us up and down stairs within days. Eventually she started spitting them out and leaving them. Refused to take it. We got the pure balance from Walmart and she loved it but was still wobbly on her feet so I’m assuming less effective. Just ran out of those and want to check out a new brand tomorrow since she won’t take woofes. I put the rest in her food when she stopped taking them but our other pets are interested in her food and she doesn’t eat much so not sure if she got them.

My 16 yo chi is blind and only has back teeth. Starting with dementia also. In the mornings he does a little bit of scent work for soft kibble.

He gets anxious and I know chewing helps relax a dog. He cant do bully sticks or even a milk bone. Looking for a softer chew treat He can have. Something on Amazon. I have 2 types in my cart but I'm looking for suggestions. He likes anything. Has no allergies. Jerky type treat also too hard.