I think Nala is 7 now. I never wanted a dog. My wife brought her home one day without my approval or notice. She is a pure bred maltese (I wasn't happy about what that cost either). Needless to say, I am not looking forward to the day that she passes away as she has become our child. I feel for all of you who have lost your pet recently (or ever for that matter). Never thought I would feel that way.
Over the last year, she has had some medical issues that we have spent $ to figure out (more than I would have said I would have ever wanted to spend). I think we finally have it figured out. Seems like she has had a thyroid issue. Since she has been on medicine the last few months, she has lost 3-4 pounds. May not seem like a lot. Since she has lost the weight, she has been zipping around the house as joyful and playful as she used to 3-5 years ago. I am glad that I think we have finally found the issue with her health that seems to made her happier and more active.
BTW, she rules this house. Tells us when she is hungry (we usually feed her around 5pm but she tells us it is dinner time if we lose track of time), when her portable doggy door is not in she tells us when she needs to go outside to potty, she also comes to visit me in the basement between 9pm-10pm when she thinks she needs a snack before bed. It is all like clockwork. Amazing minds and bodies they have.
Anyway, that is partially my story. Thanks to all for sharing theirs here.