How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live – Human and Dog Years?
by Administrator
Filed under Featured Content, Labrador Overview
This bit of information on Labradors is too often neglected when prospective owners fall in love with a puppy. We all love them – wriggly little bundles of energy. It’s difficult to imagine them ever slowing down and getting old. They do, though, and those who look for information on Labradors should ask, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Most North American and European dogs live, on average, about 12.8 human years, but some breeds live longer than others. In general, the life expectancy of larger dogs is less than that of smaller dogs. The bodies of larger dogs work harder, and tend to “wear out” earlier than those of smaller dogs. For example, while big, strong-looking bulldogs average only 6.7 human years, frail-looking miniature poodles average 14.8 human years.
Back to the Lab
But you want information on Labradors, not bulldogs and poodles. Your question was, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Labrador Retrievers average 12.6 human years.
That is not a given, of course. We cannot guarantee that YOUR Lab will live 12.6 years. To give trustworthy information on Labradors, we must also consider how your dog is treated. The life expectancy of any one dog must take into account the daily and occasional stressors encountered by that particular dog. It must consider physical stressors of cold, heat, obesity, exercise, lack of exercise, etc. It must also consider psychological stresses that come as a result of the treatment your Lab receives.
Most reliable information on Labradors points out that the dog’s length of life is further determined by what it eats, and what kind of care it receives.
Converting Human Years to Dog Years
Once we know your dog’s life expectancy in human years, we must convert it to dog years to realize how old that really is.
Many people believe that each human year equals 7 Labrador years. That is not accurate information on Labradors, however, since Labs reach adulthood within the first couple of years after birth, and a human baby requires 18 years to attain the same maturity.
One canine expert worked out a formula that is more accurate, although no one can judge the matter perfectly.
The Formula
That formula counts 10.5 dog years per human year for the first 2 years. After that, it figures about 4 dog years per human year.
Working that into our information on Labradors, you get these figures:
HUMAN YEARS DOG YEARS
1…………….10.5
2…………… 21
3…………… 25
4…………… 29
5…………… 33
6…………… 37
7…………… 41
8…………… 45
9…………… 49
10…………. 53
11…………. 57
12…………. 61
12.6………. 63.4Labrador Retrievers average 63.4 dog years.
Live Long and Prosper
One final bit of information on Labradors: These dogs are bred to be workers, so they require regular exercise if they are to live long. Plan on giving your Lab 3 walks each day, or let him out into a protected yard to romp 3 times a day. Do not allow your Lab to remain inactive and become overweight.
Overweight dogs tend to die at an earlier age than trim, fit dogs.
It has been one month since my boy has been gone. Pauline I felt the same way you do. I think about him everyday and miss him every time I walk into the house I think he is going to come and greet me. After a month the miss is there and I am not crying like I was. I never thought I would miss him this much he was a special family member. Now my kids are going back to college and the house is even emptier.
Sarah as I told my boys who grew up with our dog just always keep him in your heart. My oldest son talks about him everyday he feels like he lost his best friend. We are constantly thinking he is around the house we looking at old pictures keeping his memory. The pain does get better as the days go on you will miss your dog but you can never forget them.
Jen I was in the same situation as you the vet told me to spend time with our dog and he would let us know. He really did he just started deteriorating in front of our eyes and I had to realize it and stop ignoring it. That is when I called made the date and took him. I felt when we went into the vet he was ready I wasn’t but that he was look closely everyday and you will see it is not the same dog they used to be and they are going down hill before your eyes and that the quality of life isn’t there anymore. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I know your pain. Best wishes keep us informed.
It is amazing how many of us feel the same way. I know I did the right thing for my boy and thank God we have a forum to help each other. Thanks!
It has just been a couple weeks now and I can make it for most of the day without crying but I cannot get past the pain in my heart. Our Nicki’s best friend *Happy Girl-10 year old Lab-St. Bernard* is heart broken. Walks around until all hours of the night looking and laying where her friend layed. It is sooo sad.
Thank you for writting-this group is helpful.
The book I am reading *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates* is wonderful-and it is helping me a lot* It reinforces I will get that lick in the face once again someday if I live my life right** God Bless all of you**
I have had my dog for 7yrs, shes is a chocolate lab and shes the only child i have and thats exactly how i treat her “shes the baby”. I am currently deployed in iraq and she is living with my mother. i was informed last night that she would be staying the night at the vet clinic for xrays and test on her hip and leg. I was told that she was 7 and thats old for a dog and to consider the options. this is why i researched her age. i cant let go. maybe its selfish but ill pay whatever it cost to keep her alive, to make her better and i was so happy to find this site and see that she still does have years ahead of her. i look at the dogs here and the treatment they get and it just makes me want to spoil my baby even more. death is mostly all you see here, in humans, animals, plants, its everywhere. i couldnt imagaine if it followed me home to her….
Today/Tommorow/Day after tommorow I have to bid farewell to my black lab “Gabbar” now 9 1/2 years old.
I dont know how to say yes to the Vet & make him sleep forever.
He has been diagnoised with kidney & liver problem & is not eating anything for the last one week but surving on IV.(hydration)
God! Please show your miracle
You know-I trusted my Vet with my Labs life-and we pretty much made that decision together. I was there with my daughter-I held my nickis little head and kissed her tenderly on the nose as I said good/bye* If she is truly that sick-you will know when it is time/let her go-tell her it is ok** It was very peaceful and each day I feel a little better. Still tears three weeks later-but healing a bit** Know many of us are with you in Prayer* Pauline
God will how you a miracle but in his own way* The *miracle* is-he is there with you**
Sonu it was the hardest thing I ever did but when I knew my boy had enough I made the call and I did what was best for him. You will be distraught like I was but I say each and every day I did what was best for him and I didn’t make him suffer.
You have to do what is best for your loyal, loving friend. I almost thought when I took him to the vet that day he was relieved. He was getting sicker by the day and I would only be keeping him alive for my own self. I had to think of what was best for him.
I miss him and think of him every day you will never forget your best friend……….Good Luck there are many of us who know your pain.
Today I went with my sister and her Lab, not quite 8 yr old Blanca, to the vet to see why she had been so sick overnight. We were shocked to find out that she had a huge tumor near her spleen and that she could not be helped. My sister made the painful decision to put her down and we stayed with her while she peacefully went to sleep. She was too young for this. My sister and her sons are heartbroken. But Blanca isn’t suffering and has gone straight to doggie heaven after a life in which she was so loved. Goodbye Miss B, your were totally the best.
we just put our black lab mix pepper to sleep today at age 17+. he was a good old boy!
I have been reading through all your comments hoping to find some comfort. I thank you for being so open about your experiences and the life you shared with your loving and oh so faithful labs. I lost Rocky two days ago and the pain is so sharp I wonder when I’ll stop feeling so lonely and sad. I have much to be grateful for and enough to keep me busy i.e. two toddlers and a great husband but Rocky was always by my side. Perhaps I have some guilt because I was so busy with my kids that Rocky and I didn’t spend much time running or walking like we once did. He was very loved by all the members of our family, my kids adored him and kissed him often but still I wonder if I did something wrong. He was ten years old and suddenly became sick, two weeks later he was dead. I still don’t know what went wrong, he was tested for lyme disease and addisons but all were negative. I love Rocky he was my first and only dog and I miss him terribly.
Hi everyone,
It is conforting to know that my sweet Clover lived to the average age. She turned 12 on June 4th of this year. Last Friday was a normal day for her. Breakfast, lay by the shower while I showered, get her collar on, and jump in the car to ride to work with me. When she got out of the car she had a sip of water, did her rounds for a couple of minutes then picked up her rope toy and started picking a play fight with me. I indulged her and tug-o-warred, and tossed it a small distance. She seemed very spunky that morning, more that usual. After just a few minutes of light play my Dad took over and played with her the same way. Not a minute later he was calling me to her side. He says she brought the rope to him and tug-o-warred then looked at him funny and collapsed! As she layed on her side I called her name and she looked up at me briefly as she tried to pull in a breath. Quivers went up and down her body and I tried to help her get a breath by giving her a little shake and lifting her head. When her tongue came out and loose I knew she was gone. Not even 10 minutes after I got to work she was gone. So very sudden and unexpected as she had no present health problems and was acting so full of energy. We rushed her to the vet down the street who confirmed her passing. I described what happened and she said it was probably a heart attack! What! I have never experienced that with any pet. She is now buried in one of her favorite romping spots and will be forever missed. I am grateful she didn’t suffer nor did I have to make the horrible decision to put her down. I just never would have imagined her going by a heart attack. We did joke that she would play herself to death and it seems that is what happened. Thank you Lord for taking her quickly and painlessly! I look forward to seeing her again in heaven because I know she is there frolicking with all her passed friends. Clover, my sweet girl, I miss you!
It was July 30th we put our so very precious black Lab of 14 years to rest*our princess Nicki**
I can sometimes make it through the day without a tear but for the most part-I am still very sad. Her best friend-a Lab-St. Bernard of 11 years is finally just starting to sleep at night without roaming around the house looking for her-she actually sleeps now in the exact place her best friend slept. I know Nicki has joined our family of furry friends who have gone before her-and she is in no pain-but our hearts still ache. How lucky all our furry friends that we all write about had us to love them** They were truly blessed as were we* Pauline
We have a 12 year old chocolate lab mix. Zeogon is a wonderful boy. We got him 10 years ago when we got married. He has been a wonderful joy to our family. Over the past four years we have noticed he has gotten very heavy. I took him to the vet in March and they told me that they wanted to do bloodwork and xrays, because they thought he had thyroid problems and arthritis. Since March we have gotten another purebreed chocolate lab. Jaegar has helped Zeogon alot. They are best buddies. But I have been noticing that over the last couple of months Zeogon is becomming very cranky and not wanting to play as much. When we took him in in March, he had a hot spot, we got it cleared up. But we have noticed the last couple of months that he is starting to get these large tumor like masses all over his body. He has one on the front of his right leg and one on the back left leg. He also has a large lump under his right eye. I don’t want my boy to be suffering. But my husband and I have been financially strapped the last few months. Can anyone give me any suggestions. Everyone we talk to says we should just put him down. I don’t know what to do. My main concern is his comfort and quality of life.
We had to put our black lab Misty down on Thursday. She was 16 years and 4 months. Even though we knew the time was coming because of her age, it was the hardest thing we ever did. She’d been having trouble getting up from a sitting position for the past month, limping and having trouble getting up stairs and on furniture. Last Thursday, she broke her leg coming in from outside. It would have required surgery, and I couldn’t put her through that at her age, even if she could get around on 3 legs, which she could not. I miss her so much, especially in the morning when I wake up and she’s not at the end of my bed where she has slept for all of her life. Maybe it was God’s way of telling us to let her go – the choice was taken out of our hands. I miss her so much.
Well this morning I went out to feed my boys, Zeogon and Jaegar when I got outside Zeogon couldn’t walk. His tumor on his leg was swelled double its size and he wouldn’t eat. I took him in today and had him put down. He was hurting so bad. It was so much harder than I thought it would be. God Bless my boy! We will miss you soo much.
My beautiful baby dog is now 15. We got Toby at 2 months old when i was 9.
My mum, Toby and I were as close as we could be. I’m an only child, my Mum was for the majority of my childhood a single Mum and he literally is our best friend. Work and life has taken me to London but i write this having travelled home today after a 6:00am phone call from my Mum this morning. We knew he was deteriorating and didnt’ have long left. I hoped he would get through xmas so i could at least spend that time with him.
it is clear to us both now his time has come and it is the best thing for him.He will be put to sleep tomorrow or Friday. I knew i would be sad when the time came. Normally I am like most blokes and can put a brave face on things and accept thats just how life is. But seeing him how he is, knowing this is the end and i think a few of your comments touched on it, coming home and him not being where he has always been does hurts so much. I have no idea how i will feel afterwards.
My conciliation is i know he has had a good, healthy life and there is nothing else we could have done for him, it is just his time. Reading all your comments and knowing others had been through the same has been comforting so i thank you and just wanted to add something. I know everyone will say it but he is truly an amazing dog and i will never forget him. You have brought us so much happiness Toby, thank you and rest in peace.
LABRADORS ARE AMAZING!
Kind regards, Pete x
Still missing my Hershey. He loved to run and play in the leaves. Every season seems to bring back fresh memories of him. He was an amazing dog and friend to the end.
My black lab Rhino died at home Sat morning, he was over 16 yrs old. We found him 16 years ago after he had been thrown from a car and left to die. We took him to the vet and said to fix him and find him a home. We didn’t think we had time to give a pet. The vet fixed him and insisted we keep him. We did and we are so glad,I can’t imagine life without that big black dog. He made us walk in the rain, get over stains on the carpet,showed us that broken pottery has more character and that butterflies are worth chasing. We will miss him much.
It has been nearly 3 months since our beautiful-precious *Nicki* passed. As she passed-I was kissing her nose and telling her I loved her. Reading all these posts in is so obvious there are a lot of lab lovers** They are truly Gods gift to us. Like another person on here-each season I too remember all the things we did that season. Walking in the rain and leaves was a great thing* god Bless all of you for sharing* Pauline
We lost our yellow lab Casey this past Friday morning. She would have been 9 in December, and it was a blow none of us saw coming. Casey had a brain tumor, which was undetected and acute, she lost her battle in roughly 24 hours.
Casey was a gift and a joy- every day I tried to let her know how loved she was, and how special. She was our baby, and will never be forgotten. I’m writing this because I had no idea labs were prone to brain tumors after the age of 8. I’ve heard of joints/hip problems, as we all have, but never brain tumors. Signs are so subtle and Casey was a bit quirky by personality, so nothing really changed in her. But mainly symptoms include head rubbing, fear of stairs, and change in appetite.
My advice to everyone with a lab in their lives is to be as pro-active as possible. Do not be afraid to question your vet, or get second opinions. This is your family member, who cannot talk, so you must do it for them. In our case we were told it couldn’t have been detected (or results changed) but in other cases if you catch it early enough, there are treatments.
Best wishes to all and I hope this information helps someone out there
Our 13 year old Black lab, Jaeger, had his spleen removed this morning and is doing much better than expected. I was so nervous and afraid that he wouldn’t make it through the surgery, but our tough boy has pulled through. Thank you to all of you that have written in on this, it is so helpful to read all of your stories. Labs are truly wonderful animals and we are so blessed to still have our baby.
We had to put our Lab-KARSTEN- down last Friday morning. She was 15+ and had grown progressively weaker over the past month. I could not stay in the room with the Vet. Mary Ann did and sobbed for 5 minutes while holding her. We have had 3 large dogs-a Dob & a Shepherd over the past 30 years, but Karsten was the most gentle dog most people had ever met. It’s been 4 days and I know our memories of her will bring us pleasure down the road. But this is one of the toughest things I’ve ever had happen. Mary Ann remarked that she didn’t cry this much when her mother died @ age 96. Thank God we have not lost any children or grandchildren, but Karsten was a Person with Fur, and right now we are really aching. Goodbye Good Dog-you brightened our lives for these past 13 1/2 years.
I have concerns over my 13+ yr old female lab. I know she has hip problems on her right side and has a hard time getting up sometimes. I can’t really afford a hip replacemant. I feel like if she starts showing a lot of dis-comfort, I might have to have her put down. I have had her since she was weaned. I feel sad over this and don’t know when to say when.
November 3, 2009: My yellow lab is 13 years and 10+ months old. Now he cannot get up. He is presently lying comfortably on the floor near a bowl of water. It is the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced. I remember in 1999 (ten years ago) he (Maxwell) was jumping into the Atlantic Ocean to fetch a big green plastic ball. He would swim out 25 or 30 yards in three foot swells to get the green ball and bring it back to the beach. Now, in 2009, I gently splash the water in the bath tub onto him as I pet Maxwell, in order to soak his old bones. I whisper into his wet ears: “Remember the ocean?” It seems to give him some relief. He is a saint. He never had a problem, always was there during difficult times, and is now resting quietly near his favorite toy (a green stuffed animal). A small blanket lays over him to keep him warm. He is taking food and popsicles. It is the saddest thing I’ve ever seen. My heart is breaking.
We have a black lab and his name is Bud and we love him to death. He will be three on Nov 30 and I am wondering are we bein the best momma and daddy to ours as the lady with the 14 year old one. We feed him only Eucanuba Premium dog food and I take him out to play ball will his kids play and he is always mest with. His girls always play with him and he runs around our down stairs all the time and we give him alot of love he thinks he is a poddle LOL… So I guess my question is are we raising him right or not???
My lab died last night. (the lab discussed two comments above)I took him to the vet this morning in order to have him brought to the crematory, as I had my other dog 4 years ago. I paid for the previous dog when he arrived in a small mahogany box.
I gently wrapped Max in a blanket, gave him a kiss, and placed him in the car. It was a somber drive that I knew I would remember forever.
This time, when the vet employees came outside with a stretcher to retrieve my lab, Maxwell, from the SUV, they also brought the invoice of $355.00 for the cremation. I didn’t pay much attention to the bill, as I knew I’d take care of it once the ashes arrived. I was just barely keeping it together.
I said that I’d bring it home to my wife. They immediately stated that “unfortunaetly” it was payable then and there. I was just trying to keep it together as it was, and now they wanted me to cut a check over the dead body of my blessed lab, who was lying right there. They are pure evil. I slammed the door shut and said that I was taking him home.
Upon arriving home, I explained to my wife that our Maxwell was still in the car and that the Vet would not take him without a check for $355.00. She called the owner of the Vet business, who agreed to take the body, and apparently agreed to accept payment upon delivery of the ashes. NEVER DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. In my opinion they should lose every license they have ever had.
In re: Bob, What a bunch of blood suckers they are. I can’t believe they could be so heartless. Sorry, also for you loss.
I do not know why I still read these-but I guess I love idea others love their Labs as much as we loved our *Nicki** July 30th was the date I kissed her nose as she passed. Our other dog-her best friend is a Lab-St. Bernard now 11. I cannot force myself to get another furry friend for a long time. For all of you wondering how long it takes to get past it-I have no idea. I still feel so sad some days- but for any of you who question IF you will get that BIG kiss from your furry friends again one day-read *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates** It gave me the Answers I needed. God Bless each of you* Pauline
I came across this site looking to find something about the life span of Labs. We have had our Angel for 10years and she was a few years old when we got her. for the last Two days she is not eating, laying around and gets up with distress, breathing hard. My two children are just devastated that she is about to die. She has been healthy until now. When she gets up it is like her hips just don’t want to move. Is it time to say goodbye to our “Angel”?
Our Chocolate Lab Luka died on November 13. He lived a wonderful 14 years and 7 months. We thought that a day would come when we might have to put him to sleep, but he died on his own terms. That morning, he quietly slipped away while outdoors with one of his favorite friends, the elderly care taker who maintains my in-laws land next door. When Lyle did not see Luka after 10 minutes, he found him lying peacefully in the grass nearby. I thought that it was rare that old dogs die on their own, but our Luka did just that. We are having a tough time with his passing, and miss so much. He was the first dog my wife and I had just after we were married. He was like our first child. He has a “brother”, Ike, a nearly 12 year old Yellow Lab, and we are giving him extra TLC to help him get through. Sweet Dreams, Luka
That is exactly what my precious Nicki did*** God Bless your family*** Pauline
Thanks for the sentiments. I did not think that this would hit me as hard as it did.
i have had black betty for 15 yrs my youngest daughter is 16 , she is a black lab mix and has been my friend,daughter,baby sitter and alot more than she was ever meant to be,she was raised by a single mother (me) along with my two daughters who are 16 and 18,i love her more than i can ever express,she has always loved the attenion and played with the male friends in my life but jumps to my feet and growls at the harshed word said to loudly,she is barely eating,drinks alot of water,throws up even in her on bed which she never does,also has urinated on herself last few days and is totally lifeless,she does not make any sounds or appear to be in pain but obviously if you have a lab you know how they hang there head in shame when do something,i dont say anything or yell i know she is sick or dying i have put a pallet in the floor and petted her all night last night today and will tonight,is it worth having the vet do test it is 750 dollars and i am layed off,if someone out there thinks there is a chance then the money does not matter,i just need to know the symptons of a dying lab,also her back end is barly getting her out of bed in the morning to get up,please help
hi pauline are you talking about black betty or someone elses dog ,thanks susan
We just found out recently that our 5 year old chocolate, Beau has had a couple of seizures. I sit here reading these comments and writing this with uncontrollable tears running down my face. Beau is the most special friend to us, and unless you have owned a lab you wouldnt understand the loyalty and friendship that comes with owning one. I am just terrified of losing him, especially after watching “Marley & Me” the second time tonight. I know that all I can do is give him the best life I can while hes here, but I dont know how I will ever face when its his time… I am already so sad and scared.
As I write this my best friend in the world is dieing she is 12 yrs old. I got shelby when I was 32 and she is a doll she has cancer and in the morning I am taking her to the vet to be put down. I found this site just typing and passing the time. I cannot sleep all I have to say is GOD bless you all. Labs were put on this earth to make mankind happy and mine did for many years. thank you for your time SHELBY I will never forget you. Love Barry
I know this is a late reply as I was trying to determine whether I should take in my lab’s mother. Her mom is 9. I had a small mixed terrier for 14 years. A stray I adopted at the age of 2. In his final years he developed liver disease. We caught it in time and treated it. As part of his diagnosis, we ran a full ultrasound. This test revealed that all was clear internally. Four months later he began to cough and at six months he was back in the vets where he was x-rayed. There it was, clear as day, a sarcoma in his lungs, larger than a golf ball. Also, pushing on his heart which contributed to the cough. So, this can happen and very quickly. I had a lot of discussions about how his ultrasound was so clear and then “this”. Apparently, these cells grow so rapidly once established. We treated our poor dog for as long as possible, even having him biopsied and C.T.’d by an animal oncologist to see if there was anything we could do. He held on for a year more. It is unfortunate and sad. I still miss him so much! Best wishes.
Bob,
I am so sorry for the way your family and your beloved Max were treated during his passing…..so people have NO compassion. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful vet and assistants who loved my Chocolate as much as my family and I. They were very compassionate when I brought her in to be put to sleep and they even stood there and cried with me!!! When I finally let go of my girl they hugged me and told me they would take great care of her and would call me when her ashes came back. After I got her ashes back they gave me a poem called “The Rainbow Bridge” if you get a chance to read it you should b/c it tells us how our “babies are healthy and care free, but yet when we cross over they are waiting for us….it really helped me alot. I once again am sorry for how you were treated and hope that the uncompassionate people who took care of your Max will get their karma someday!!!!
It is so wonderful reading about all the lives that have been touched by the love of a laborador. I have been luckily loved by two so far. Dune, a yellow 96lb Marley like beast, was the first (1986 – 1998) and Keila , a gentile submissive thinker, is my second. She’s an 8.5 year old black lab that recently learned how to play frisbee. Nothing too strenous but she’s having a good time learning something new. It helps keep us all a little bit younger. I think Keila will be with me for another 8 years or so. I wish cloning was cheaper because she’d be the one!
My husband and I just put our beloved chocolate lab, Magic, to sleep yesterday. I read some of the postings about guilt over doing this, and we have such mixed feelings about this, too, although we knew she was very sick. We had her operated on at the end of April for laryngeal paralysis; after that she could no longer bark or swim. But we were able to have her with us for another seven months. It was kidney failure that finally caused her failing health. She was 12 years, 3 months old. We have a 7-year old yellow male Lab, Duke, that I know is missing his big sister. He went over to lie on her rug last night which is very unusual. Has anyone read the book called “Separate Lifetimes” by Irving Townsend? It has a story in it called “The Once Again Prince” that really touches your heart. There is a quote in it that goes, “We who choose to surround ourselves with lives more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality.” My sweet, dear brown girl. My heart aches to see you again.
Another good book is *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates* It was my choice of books to confirm what I already knew-one fine day in Gods own time our sweet-precious Labs will once agian give us a Big kiss* for right now they are in God’s care-free of pain-just waiting for us to join them** *Our Precious Nicki passeed on July 30th-09* I do believe I will miss her for the rest of my life* She is resting with all our furry animals who went before**
I have been reading all your stories and felt for all of you who lost your best friend. Our Chocolate Lab Tobi is 14 years and 9 months old and we have been blessed with a very active and healthy dog. She does have some weakness in her hind legs and stomps around like a soldier but this does not stop her from doing so. She still manages to get onto our bed, sofa and walk up the stairs. She loves the snow and still swam like a fish this summer. I am always wondering how long she will keep it up and I was happy to read that some of your dogs lived to 16 or even 17. I hope she will keep going strong for a while. She LOVES to eat but we manage to keep her at her ideal weight of 65 pounds. I am grateful for every day she is with us.
My female black lab Brandy lived one day shy of 14 years. We had to put her down Tuesday night 12/15. I think I am two days later just now functional. I never thought I would grieve this hard. I came home and now just being able to think or talk about it, googled how long labs live and came across this site. Doing fine reading all the posts then I find the one I left earlier this year on 5/15/09 explaining how my dog is doing. Waterworks all over, I forgot I posted, epsecially since I don’t usally do those things. But love and grief make you different. So all my dog’s symptons are on my previous post. Mostly arthritis and basically rimadyl made her functional. She was progressively getting worse. We went on vacation for 10 days and before we left she started not walking on one of her front legs. Usually the neighbor kid takes care of our dogs (we have a 12yo golden ret too), but I thought she needed more care so I paid an unemployed friend to live here and leave them in the house all the time. I got emails that she was not doing good but didn’t really think that bad. We got home Monday and I fell apart. She was so much worse, could barely move. I had to carry her wherever she needed to go like outside to potty. She sleeps next to my bed and kept me up all night wimpering, I kept petting her. I went to work the next day but my partner stayed home. Halfway thru the day she stopped eating and was not even keeping water down. I got home and she was still a little coherent, but went down quickly. Labored breathing and obvious distress. I had no choice but to take her to the animal hospital to end the misery (hers, not mine). She was so far gone. At the hospital she started losing all bodily functions. I am convinced she waited until I got home from vacation for one last night and day. I hurt so much. I had her most of my adult life. I can’t keep looking down whenever I get up from my desk or couch because she is always at my feet, but she’s not there. I will miss her, but had 14 wonderful years with the best dog ever. I love and miss you Brandy.
I read the last post on this site from George, and I know exactly how you feel. As our vet told us when we put our lab down on November 29, knowing when to let go is also showing love for your pet. When I’m alone, that’s when I cry. They don’t ask for much; all they want is you. I am still grieving for my brown girl.
I just received the worst news in the world this morning. Last Monday, I kenneled my two Labs (Wrigley 5 year old chocolate lab and Jake 8 year old English yellow lab) because my wife and I were expecting our first child. Upon returning from the hospital on Friday, I decided to leave my boys at the kennel for a few extra days so our new daughter could get acclimated to being at her new home. I had planned on picking both of them up today. At 7:30 this morning, I received a call from the kennel’s owner (a friend of ours). When I picked up the phone, he informed me he had some bad news. He told me that Wrigley had died. When I went to the kennel to see my best friend for the last time, the kennel owner told me he thought it might have been a seizure.
I have been literally crushed all day long. I feel like part of my heart has been ripped out. He was such an important part of my life and I was hoping he would be for my new daughter as well. I just wish I had one more day to spend with him.
Thank you everyone for sharing all of your posts. This is, by far, one of the toughest deaths I have ever had to deal with.
Rest in Peace Wrigley-Dad will never forget you!
I had a tumor removed from my Lab and the results came back that she has breast cancer. It was the size of a tennis ball in her tit and came really fast. She feels fine but I know what the outcome will be. She will be 10 in Feb. Has anyone had this happen to their dog and if so any time frame I maybe looking at?
I just lost my baby girl. She was about 10-11 yrs old. She was a chocolate lab. Ever since I had my twin boys I haven’t had as much time with her. I feel guilty now. I love her and miss her! I wish I had brought her to the vet when I found a little lump on her side a year ago. We just haven’t had any money to do so. I’ve always taken such good care of her since having her as a puppy. RIP Kahlua
Harrell, I lost my Kahlua tonight. I believe she had cancer. I found a lump on her tit about a year to year and a half ago. I just feel so guilty for not bringing her to the vet. It’s just been a financial struggle for us the past year. Hope all will be okay.
Today has been one year since we lost our sweet Chocolate lab Hershey. He was almost 13 years old. What a sad day it was for me. I try to hang onto the funny memories of a dog that was such a character and so lovable. It is hard to imagine the day that you will no longer have your dog by your side until it happens and then it is a real ache that does not go away. RIP Hershey. We miss you and love you so much.
So sorry for your loas of Wrigley. Hershey had seizures too but they were never that serious. I am so sad for your daughter’s loss. She would have loved him.
I have a yellow lab that will be 13 years old in a couple of months. We never thought he would get that far. At age 6 he had a stroke that took out his hearing and vision in one eye, and two short years later found out arthritis had effected his hips and spine. We put him on medication, and he purked right back up. At age 11 a cloud went over his good eye making him almost completely blind. But, to this day, when we rise, so does he, when we go, he goes, he is loyal, and still bounces around and wants to play in the pond and fetch like he was a puppy. I feel very blessed to have had him for so long, and cherish the time I do.