Boy is that true. Sometimes its hard to know. I thought mine was on that downhill slope last year, and now she's doing so good I can't beleive it. Last night she sprinted a block and half - which is a block and half more than I would have guessed she'ld ever do again 6 months ago. I also know, it wouldn't be big surprise that her time could be up sooner than later. 14 for a medium size dog is generally up there in years.