what do you do...

with an Old dog who is getting senile, blind, deaf and arthiritic, who is peeing and pooping all over the house apparently unaware or immeadiately forgeting about it
I thought about maybe trying to lock her in the kitchen with a soft bed, but she is used to the run of the house, I think she would be very unhappy. Am I stuck cleaning the carpet everyday? The vet says she's as healthy as a fifteen year old deaf blind creaky dog could be.

Yeah, it's nasty and I could understand if you couldn't cope. But I have done just that for the last few months of the life of my previous dog. Pretty much ruined my carpet, I'll admit, but well worth giving her that send off.

I have two older dogs, and one middle aged bitch who harasses them. When I leave I do lock them out of the bedrooms, and the living room. I got tired of rug shampoo machine life. They have a small kitchen and a little attached family room. Three beds. I have to be perfect about putting food away and making sure the bitch can't jump up on chairs and then onto kitchen counters to get the left overs sitting on the counter. They all seem happy enough but are very glad to see me when I come home. But them they have always been very glad when I came home.

One is getting both blind and deaf. The other old guy has bad arthritis. Both the old dogs have fewer teeth, put their tails still work perfectly.

well that may work for daytime I guess but at night? Thats when most of the accidents happen. I go to bed around 11 and put them out. My son gets up most days at 4am for work and says he puts them out. I think like Matt I will just have to cope, I love this dog like a child. we just had her doggiesister put to sleep a few months ago. thanks for responding

Much of the answer will depend on your circumstances. I have spent, in the past, two years sleeping downstairs with a very elderly dog, setting my alarm to wake up and change his position every couple of hours (because he couldn't do it himself), mopping and laundering his bed every day because he couldn't help having 'little accidents' during the night. Somehow, I made it work - though looking back I don't know how (and it meant new carpets after he had gone). But don't forget, however much you love him, it's the quality of your dog's life that really matters. Deaf and blind dogs can manage just fine - it's probably the arthritis that will be the deciding factor; is he in constant pain? Have you tried all the medical help you can get? Does he still enjoy his life? You don't say whether there is anyone with him all day but that can make a massive difference. If his whole life consists of being alone and in pain until the family comes home from work - even if he is thrilled to see you all - does that really constitute a happy life? If you can really be sure that he is happy then you will get through this somehow because no sacrifice is too great but if you have reasons to doubt that and your heart tells you that the misery in his life now outweighs the pleasure, it might be time to say goodbye.

As you already know, that is one of the most heartbreaking things you will ever do, but it is the final loving act we can perform for our pets. If your vet is someone you get on with and whose judgement you trust, it might help to have a long chat with him/her about your next move. Good luck, whatever you decide. You have already given him a long, happy life and your ability to cope must be part of your decision-making.

polly, your heart may be still too tender from your recent loss. Has your boy gotten any worse since his doggiesister has been gone? I'm just wondering how he is adapting to that change.

How does your boy sleep at night? My two elderly Goldens sleep in a bath off from the master. And as an occasional accident happens, it means tossing their beds in the wash and cleaning up the tile. Possibly something like this with a baby gate, adding soft music calms one of mine if he needs to be there alone.

Your love for him shines through your post. Booksloth had gentle wise words. Do try to make a small change at least for the night to help. You know the book The Art Of Dancing In The Rain, is a sweet story to those of us who bring our dogs close in our hearts and engraved in our daily lives. I have to remind myself to "calm" and take those meaningful walks and sit close on those quiet evenings...just one day is what I need to deal with..today.

Bon.
No She doesn't seem to remember or grieve for her sister, She kinda looked for her for awhile but Now I think she's forgotten She has two other dogs here for company. I think I am going to bring her into the bedroom at night and shut the door. I'll spread a old quilt and she will enjoy that. Maybe even I'll spread a plastic tablecloth underneath to keep pee from soaking in.

And that is a brilliant idea!

thank you!

polly, so sorry I had her as a boy in my head. And I typed kirby when I meant booksloth. Please forgive. I have 10 days of vacation coming this Thursday of just driving away in our fifth wheel in this October weather. It appears I am in a bit of need of just a good rest.

I bet she will love being even closer to you!

No worries BONs, enjoy your vacation! Wish I could go!

I don't know why but I was also thinking in terms of a boy - probably because of my boy. I hope your darling will forgive me.