The oldest GSD? - Page 2

My old American lines dog made it to 14 years 1 month, until I finally made myself put him down last year when it was obvious his physical decline was in full swing and not much interested him anymore.  

He was your classic skinny, snipey-muzzled hockwalker with mild HD in one hip, but damned if he didn't beat the odds and have a really good life for himself despite the humble origins.

Kathy I am sorry you lost your wonderful old girl and hope you post some pictures in this thread so others can see what a great one she was. Barb

My eldest's dam died fairly recently, she was 14 or 15 (I believe just shy of 15).  She was going blind and deaf but other than that, she didn't have cancer or heart failure or any sort fo condition like that.  One day she didn't get up from her nap, just died peacefully of old age.

My first GSD died at 13.  He was David Nebelholz grandson and looked just like him-a great big hunk of a dog. The other 1/4 was American working ranch herding dogs and 1/2 WGR working lines ancestry.

The day before he died he ate a bowlfull of raw chicken backs, necks and a thigh and went for a walk just around the neighborhood.  The next day he had a sudden really scary turn for the worse.  He went peacefully and comfortably with a little help from the Emergency Clinic. 

He led a very full and happy life except for his last day.  I will miss him forever.

in his prime  at 13

Michele

Here is a photo of Rhena taken a year ago, not long before her 16th birthday.  She was trotting alongside my daughter.  Photo credit to Heartdog Studios.  The photographer has a son of Rhena which she uses as her assistance dog.  Rhena was a one in a million!   By the way, Rhena also helped my daughter learn to walk, acting as a brace for her.  She had patience that was unsurpassed by any other dog I had.  Although the grandson and granddaughter that I have from her now, certainly inherited her patience.