My MaggieMae has reached 17yrs. this past April. She doesn’t appear to be struggling, although her energy is not as it once was. I know and feel the heartache in your message, try to remember all those memories you both have shared with your furrbaby. I received my furrbaby when she was 8wks old, so she is a part of me. Will always be. I love and treat her like my daughter. We have always been together through thick and thin. Sometimes I feel that she is living for me as she knows the state I will be in once she is gone. She is very intelligent, always has been. If one is reading this debating whether to adopt a Maltese, I will tell you it’s been the best decision I have made. She has never been a cuddle bug, but she is protective and loving and sensitive. Don’t let anyone tell you that a dog hasn’t a soul, as my MaggieMae has the biggest soul I’ve ever seen.

we just had to make that awful decision 5 days ago -if I COULD redo that day it would have been to plan it a week or so in advance ( my boy was almost 16 and declining just as you described) I would have then spent the whole week or so doing nothing but him – carrying him on long walks that he no longer could do himself, eating burgers and fries together just all the things …. we waited and he had a terrible seizure and we had no time or he would have sufferered. That is my only regret

My Maltese, Winny, is 16 and 1/2 years old and is now really struggling. I love my little baby. She’s just no longer herself. She sleeps most of the day and really is slowing down. I’m starting to notice she’s having balance issues. She can’t hear anymore, run, play. It’s difficult for her to get comfortable. My husband is hopeful we have at least 6 months with her but nobody knows. It’s just breaking my heart seeing her decline and she’s no longer the perky, goofy dog she’s always been. And I know when the time comes to make the dreadful decision, I can’t imagine my life without her. I’m crying just thinking about it.

I am sorry for your loss. Our baby is 13 years old. He is so sweet. I cannot even think of the day he will not be with us. He is our sweet baby. I told my husband the reason Maltese are white is because they are so sweet like sugar.

I know how all of you feel! Our Maltese little boy, Chuy, passed away 3 days ago. He was diagnosed with liver cancer 5 weeks ago and since then we have been doing everything possible to prolong his life and so that he does not suffer. We didn’t know he was sick until he collapsed and when we took him to the vet we got this horrible news. I prayed so hard that he didn’t suffer and tried so many different things to make him heal and without pain. He didn’t look like he was in pain. He acted a little slower than usual but was his usual happy and loveable as always. I thank God for giving us Chuy for 13 years. He gave us so much love, happy times and so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. Our house is so empty and each corner of every inch has a memory of Chuy. I didn’t expect this to happen soo fast! He woke up not good and was Vomiting, diarrhea, his gums were white as paper and he collapsed. We took him to the Animal Hospital and even though they could have done blood transfusions and try to keep him alive for a few more days, the doctors recommended to put him to sleep. It took us many hours to make this horrible decision and that is what is affecting me so much. I know that he was sick, that he was already 13 years old, but I would have never wanted to make this decision. My heart is crushed and I feel as if I took away his right to live. We finally made the decision so that Chuy didn’t have to suffer or be in pain. We gave him the best possible life with so much love and he gave us his love and the happiest days of our lives for 13 years.
I pray that everyone that looses a pet be in peace.

Hi Tami,
I hope your Butterscotch is doing well.

My Maltese lived to be 17 years 9 months. She was an absolute joy and my sunshine. Her last year was not as active as she couldn’t see well. She developed kidney failure all of sudden and died within a week. I chose to euthanize her as she could not eat and was in pain, and she died peacefully in my arms. That was 20 years ago, and I still cry when I think of that moment I had to say goodbye to her.

In order to look after an older dog, especially the type that lives beyond 13, I think it’s crucial to switch to low protein diet. Older dogs eventually tend to run into kidney problems. It is actually quite common. I’d also suggest to encourage your dog keep moving, walking as long as he/she enjoys. Wish you and Butterscotch the best!

I’m so sorry your Callie has this, I have had one Maltese for 16 and one at 12 years but these dogs are so good they love you with all their heart and they are beautiful. Love your baby – what more could he want.

My dog threw up bile almost daily. A smart young vet said he had a nervous stomach and to feed him 3 smaller meals a day instead of just 1 or 2. He quit throwing up.