The day Machon Thomas’s beloved rat terrier Tipsy defecated on her living room floor is one she will never forget. The two had been companions for 10 happy years and Tipsy had never had an accident. Thomas, a dog owner since childhood, knew something was wrong. “I took Tipsy to the vet and discovered she was suffering from arthritis,” says the Houston-based R.N. “It was quite a shock.” And it was the first sign that her beloved shelter dog was beginning to age.

Fortunately, Thomas took Tipsy’s diagnosis seriously and began monitoring her for additional signs of aging. “Many people write off the signs,” says Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist for the Humane Society. “For example, people know cats like to sleep a lot—but maybe your pet is sleeping more because of arthritis. And if your cat begins yowling, he or she may be going deaf.” Other signs of aging include an enlarged abdomen, changes in appetite, a decrease in energy, and coughing.

Peterson, who at one point was the owner of four geriatric cats, suggests that owners schedule twice-yearly geriatric checkups. “Make sure the exams are thorough,” she says. “They should include an examination of the heart, lungs, skin, fur, ears, eyes, mouth, and teeth, as well as an examination of your pet’s internal organs.

And if your cat or dog has a history of bladder stones or urinary tract infections, request a urine analysis. Peterson also suggests that pet owners request a baseline blood panel once the animal turns 7 or 8. “This way you’ll know what’s normal for your pet and will have something to compare it to as she or he ages,” she says.

As soon as Thomas brought Tipsy home from the vet, she began taking measures to make the rat terrier as comfortable as possible. “I’m a nurse by trade so I started doing things for Tipsy that I would do for an elderly person,” she says.

She installed a ramp in her home, bought an orthopedic bed, and, as Tipsy began going blind and deaf, cleaned out her utility room so Tipsy would have a safe haven. “Older animals can become very disturbed by noise and movement, especially when they begin losing their vision and hearing,” says Thomas. “It was really important for me to create a space where she felt comfortable.” Peterson also suggests putting more water bowls around your home and, if you have cats, easily accessible litter boxes.

Most importantly, remember that your dog still requires emotional TLC. “Be sure to play with your dog or cat so that he or she gets stimulation,” says Peterson. “Human affection is still very important to aging pets.” As Tipsy began to lose mobility as well as her sight and hearing, Thomas began to carry her in her arms and took her for long walks in the park.

Thanks to regular visits to the pet and Thomas’s devotion, Tipsy lived until she was 18 years old. Last January Thomas made the painful decision to put Tipsy to sleep. She made an appointment with her vet for April, making sure the date was on a Saturday. “I needed the time to prepare emotionally,” she says. “Tipsy had been with me since college, and I knew I would need at least a day to really grieve before returning to work.”

Making the decision to euthanize your pet is one of the most painful events you will face in your life, says Peterson. “You had a long, wonderful relationship—it’s OK to grieve.” Peterson suggests that pet owners utilize support groups and hotlines. Your local ASPCA and Humane Society will be able to provide you with information on groups in your area.

Although Tipsy’s death still brings tears to her eyes, Thomas is now the proud owner of Duke, a Manchester Terrier puppy. “He’s just a bundle of joy,” she beams. “But I’ll never forget Tipsy. We had a darn good life together.”

For more information on geriatrics and pets, go to www.humanesociety.org

When did you realize your pet was aging? What steps did you take to ensure your cat or dog would have a comfortable old age? And if you had to make the difficult decision to put your pet to sleep, how did you mourn the loss?  Share your story by writing us at stories@petside.com.  Also click on this link to view a petside.com video on ageless love: http://video.petside.com/player/?id=172570