We lost our Darling Nikita a few weeks. She was 14. The typical lifespan for a husky is 12-15 years. I think she did very well. Even though she was a senior and we knew her time was nearing it was so very hard letting her go. Especially for my son who was “her boy”. Nikita waited for him to turn 18 and graduate high school before she let us know she was ready to say goodbye. She raised our son right along with me and my husband. She was the best.

What is considered a senior? It often depends on the breed. Dr Google says “Generally, small dogs are considered senior citizens when they reach 11 years of age, medium-sized dogs at 10 years of age, large breeds at 8 years of age, and giant-breeds at 7.” When you factor in that 1 in 3 dogs will develop cancer it makes that even shorter.

We have chosen to keep all our dogs here with us even after breeding retirement. So we will continue to face the emotional roller coaster of loving our seniors and watching for the time when their bad days outweigh their good. Our sweet Zuko just turned 12 and we already see changes in him. Joint supplements and nutrition are so far working great, and we will cherish every day we have with our Zuko and all our babies here at Supernova Siberians!

I also want to note that at this time we have made the decision to slow our breeding and to not to add more dogs to our pack. We love raising puppies and bring joy to families and I think I do a damn good job. But the emotional and financial toll of so many issues have played a huge roll in our decision. If at anytime this changes we will be selective on the puppies we bring in and do so responsibly.