Thanks for your opinions. I feel exactly how you do, if she were a couple years younger it would be no question. Though, Reety has always been a healthy dog (excluding the knees) and a great family member. Another thing is, the rest of her joints (especially hips) Look fantastic. So in theory, if the knees were addressed again, she would never have to have another problem like this (because lets face it, by the time it will take them to completely deteriorate, or for her repaired knees to, she probably wouldn't be alive anymore anyway)
Her mental health is suffering from her physical health. She recieved a steriod shot from the vet and has really been back to her old self (though unfortunately, he said these effects are quite temporary and when inflammation returns, so will the bad attitude) She's really a loving, plyful dog. Lately because she is in pain she has been growly with the other dogs and for the most part, hiding under my fiances desk. So sad that the shot made her feel much better, and she's laying with the other dogs again. It won't last. Ditto for the activity level. It seems all of her issues are riding on her knees right now. We have no way of knowing about the parent dogs as she was found.
Thanks for the warm wishes. Right now I hope the surgeon suggests repairing the knees again. It would be so expensive but more difficult to deal with losing her or knowing her clock is really ticking. But, I go back and forth. Quality of life can only go downhill... and she'll probably live to be 15 max. Is it almost not worth it? This is a tough one.