Hello nice to see you back I remember you from years ago
. Its amazing how the years go by and how quickly our cockers seem to go from pups to oldies.
Ben was arthritic in his hips and was on metacam for a couple of years as well as yumove which helped. Like Fern he was very deaf and had to go on a longline as he could still move at speed and we were scared he would run off and we would not be able to call him back !!
As Ben got older he still was happy in himself loved his walks and food so we were happy to let him potter on. However he got really bad dementia and we struggled for about 12 months - possibly too long ?? We lost him last year at the age of 14.
I can honestly say watching Ben get older is the hardest thing I have ever done as I found it hard to balance in my head what his quality of life was and to maintain his good quality of life what impact it was having on our lives eg because of the dementia Ben couldn't be on his own so my husband gave up work and after taking a year out to look after Ben he has never gone back to work.
People on here were brilliant and gave me lots of advice but I think what I learned is every situation is unique and there are no rights and wrongs, you know your own dog better than anyone and I guess you know when the quality of life changes and it is no longer 'enough'. You say Fern is painfree and enjoying walks, you will be able to tell when that changes.
i hope you get more lovely time with Fern this summer to make treasured memories