I placed two comments here (see above) because I needed to correct the first comment after it was made and was unable to delete it.

My error was in saying that Crissy had trouble with her hips. She did NOT. The vet determined that she had deterioration in her spine due to aging.

My husband and I were the owners of Crissy from early 2001 until her death on July 25, 2014. She was given to us by a woman who purchased Crissy's brother, Chad. Crissy had been given to a young man who did not treat her well during the first year of her life (kept her crated all day, etc.). Crissy was "re-possessed" from the original purchaser and that's when we heard about her. She was fiesty and very, very smart. She was able to escape every pen we ever made for her. Finally, we gave up and let her stay in our house! She was a beautiful dog with a sweet temperament. Really, the best dog we have ever owned.

Crissy lived over 14 years and began having some spinal stenosis (we suspect) at about age 12. We tried a variety of meds, but none seemed to improve her condition. She was still able to walk, although with quite a bit of difficulty toward the end of her life. Nevertheless, she was loving and loyal until the end. We had her euthanized only three days ago and we are heartbroken to say good-bye to her.

My husband and I were the owners of Crissy from early 2001 until her death on July 25, 2014. She was given to us by a woman who purchased Crissy's brother, Chad. Crissy had been given to a young man who did not treat her well during the first year of her life (kept her crated all day, etc.). Crissy was "re-possessed" from the original purchaser and that's when we heard about her. She was fiesty and very, very smart. She was able to escape every pen we ever made for her. Finally, we gave up and let her stay in our house! She was a beautiful dog with a sweet temperament. Really, the best dog we have ever owned.

Crissy lived over 14 years and began having problems with one of her hips at about age 11. We tried a variety of meds, but none seemed to improve her condition. She was still able to walk, although with quite a bit of difficulty toward the end of her life. Nevertheless, she was loving and loyal until the end. We had her euthanized only three days ago and we are heartbroken to say good-bye to her.