Just Arthritis

So, after Dog was panty and pacey for a month, I took her to the vet.  After numerous x-rays, which Lady Vet managed do without sedation, it was determined there was nothing wrong internally, like an enlarged heart or something more sinister, but she did have Just Arthritis in her spine which is not unusual in her breed.

Now she takes an anti-inflammatory for the Just Arthritis, a pain-killer to help her sleep and glucosamine for the rest of her joints.  Fortunately, for all concerned she's pretty good about taking medication.  Nothing that a piece a bologna won't solve.

She hobbles about and doesn't move as quickly as she used to but she still manages to climb the stairs and get up on the bed to sleep with me. 

But I feel her end is drawing near.  I'm trying to prepare myself for that inevitability because sure as hell, she'll go to Jesus during the day when I'm here alone with her,  but can you really prepare for something like that?