Kato is 14, which is apparently old (but not ancient) for a dog of his size. He's slowed down a lot and doesn't really even like walks anymore, but he's in good health still and generally in good spirits. I'm afraid he's going to start declining significantly this year.

But he won't, because we shook on it.

Yeah, when Shadow just laid in unhappy lumps and cried, I knew it was time. My poor old Koogie just got slower and slower and then just faded out one night, curled up next to me in bed.

Darby's still only like six months old, tops. So nothing to worry about.

In reality she could be anywhere from around 8 to 12, so it's really hard to know/mentally plan.

I don't think I ever saw my cousins' cat Sunshine once she made it into her mid-20s, but I assume she resembled something out of Pet Semetary.

Dang, that really is an eternal cat.

Koogie made to something like 18 or 19. He actually had fur worn off of some of his joints, and I had scarfs that weighed more than him. We called him the lich-cat. I miss the old bag of bones.

This is making me sad, because I think my cat is going to die soon, too. I have thought that since I got her, but she seems skinnier and more meowy lately.

My ex's parents' cat lived to 22 and 24, and towards the end they were like decorative cat pillows. They woke up to have a few bites of food and some water and that was it. When the tree went up at Christmas, though, each of them would walk to the tree slowly and with great dignity and whack one ornament.

All sympathies to those that are nearing The Decision for their pets. A good vet can be very helpful in knowing when it's time.

I think it's our greatest failing with our cats. We're so aggressive in seeking treatment that we keep trying even when it's past time to let go.