I am doing this in hopes that it will help others.
I had to make the decision to put My "Little Girl " to rest today. After 15 years of Undying luv and affection she became ill. I blame myself for not seeing the symptoms and just passing them off as " Old Age" as they were present in her last 6 months.
She came into my life and made me a much better person. The desease that took her is known as "Canine Cognitive Dystunction Syndrome" CDS for short. I suggest that any member that has a dog that is approaching the "Golden Years" to read this:

Signs of CDS

Disorientation
Wanders aimlessly
Appears lost of confused in the yard or house
Gets "stuck" in corners or behind furniture
Stares into space or at walls
Has difficulty find the door
Does not recognize familiar people
Does not respond to verbal cues or name
Appears to forget reason for going outdoors

Decreased or Altered Response to Family Members
Solicits attention less
No longer stands for petting (walks away)
Less enthusiastic greeting
No longer greets owners
Abnormal Sleep/Wake Patterns
Sleeps more in a 24 hour day
Sleeps less during the night
Decrease in activity
Increase in wandering or pacing

Loss of Housetraining
Uninates/defecates indoors
Signals less to go outdoors

These were not seen in a day to day basic so I assumed she was having a " Bad Day".

Consult your Vet I understand it can be treated if found in the early stages.
Thanx,
Jim

Our most sincere condolences for your loss. It is very hard to lose a member of the family.

Thank you too for passing this along!

Thanks for the signs to be watchful for & sorry for your loss we just had one last month ourselves.

MP/MD, my condolences on the loss of your dog. It happens to all of us lucky enough to own a dog and it never gets easier. I have never heard of CDS. Is that unique to certain breeds?
Thanks for the heads up, Peter.

I'm so sorry for your loss - I had to put down my furry buddy this past February so I know your pain.

15 years is a good long life for your pup.

Sorry for your loss. It's never easy to say good-bye.

I, too, am sorry for your loss, Jim. For anyone else here who's pup may show the signs listed in the initial post, about 70% of dogs with CDS will respond posively to Anipryl...ask your veterinarian.

Condolences to you for the loss of your pup. Still, the dog would probably say "I got to spend 15 years with my Master. And that was a good thing."

The best way to get over such a loss seems to be to get another puppy ASAP.

I am truly sorry for your loss. What a heartbreaker to watch your buddy fade away. It sounds about like dementia in humans. I've never heard of this but you can bet I'll watch. I've had to put my pups down too and it hurts horribly, but I'll not have anyone else do it for me. When you feel a bit better, go see about another pup. It's the best thing you can do. It's too lonely otherwise.

Sorry for your loss.

Those of us who love dogs always know that their death is the real price we have to pay for their love and affection.

15 years is a DAMN good run...enjoy the memories