Living with an old dog. Long

[Deleted]

First, it sounds like she's a happy girl who is very loved. Many dogs aren't themselves when their family is away, so that seems fairly normal to me. As she is elderly, there is always the chance that she will pass away when you're not there. I'm sorry you are facing that. My childhood dog passed away two weeks after I left for graduate school, and I knew it would happen because she was very ill at the time. It was really hard not being there with her.

I don't think it's good to live in constant worry and base your entire life around that worry, but at the same time I understand that you want to be with her as much as possible. Ultimately the choice is yours to do what you feel is best for you and for your dog. Is it possible to take her along on your weekend getaway?

[dr.girlfriend]

My dogs lived to 16 and 17, including several times when I thought "this is the end" and they bounced back. I'm glad I valued those last few years with them, but I wouldn't prevent myself from enjoying life otherwise.

[nomad100]

My MIL's senior dog often refused to eat at all when he would stay with us when she was OOT. So changes in eating habits isn't uncommon.

That being said, it sounds like she is healthy and happy so you shouldn't stop living your life or taking trips.