Worrying about the old girl

Sophie is now at least 14 years old. She is our dog; the dog we found on the streets of Portugal back in December 2001. Based on the cleanliness of her teeth, the vet thought she was around a year old. She was pregnant when we found her, though we did not know it at the time because she was mostly just skin and bones. Something about her sad desperate eyes just drew me in and I just couldn't turn away.

She is the most loving and sweet animal we could have ever imagined. As much as taking her in was a gift to her to keep her warm and safe, it was by far a greater gift to us. We could not have asked for a sweeter, more loving dog. She has had her issues, from severe separation anxiety for her first few years with us to swiping food from the table if we ever walked away from it, but she is a former street dog after all.

Her walking has slowed, sometimes her breathing is heavier, there are more accidents in the house, her  black muzzle has turned grey, typical old dog stuff really. But, each day she just seems a little older. And, the vet seems amazed that she has lived as long as she has, apparently most shepherds don't live as long. I do worry she will not be with us next time we move. :(

I know it will be a devastating loss for all of us. We watched the movie "My Dog Skip" and there was not a dry eye in the house; perhaps just too close to home.