[Maryland Girl]

One of our dogs, a stray that followed our daughter home in a Texas rainstorm and eventually ended up with us, has been diagnosed with late stage kidney failure. We think she is about 12 or 13 years old but there were absolutely no symptons until the condition was very advanced. We are doing our best working with our vet on a treatment protocol, but, from what I read, it is a losing battle. She is hanging in there and still enjoys her walks but she is a very very sick dog and we will be faced with euthanizing her in the near future. The reason I relate this is that we now realize that every dog (especially if they are older) should have a blood test at least once and, if possible, twice a year. The sooner you can catch this deadly disease, the better chance you have at treatment. We are having our other dog who is 10 years old tested next week.

Thought I would post this in case anyone else might have an an older dog and, like us, not realize the importance of blood work for these beloved family members

[English Ivy]

Maryland Girl ... I sent you a PM