Living With an Older Dog
by The K9 Guy, 11-17-16November is National Senior Pet Month. With the Thanksgiving Holiday also part of November, I thought it would be a good time to share a few thoughts about "living with an older dog".
As a child, there was dog in the home before my arrival. When I was young teen, that first pet named Whiskers had reached his final days. I insisted my Mother allow me to go to his final Vet appointment (for euthanization). It was terribly sad, but I owed him that, after him being with me so many years as I grew up. To this day, I'm glad I was with him during his final moments.
As a young adult, our first dog was a Great Dane. Like most giant breeds, by age 9 he had many health issues and was declining. As I talked to our Veterinarian about comfort care in his final months, I lamented watching him age. Our Vet simply said, "that's part of living with an older dog". He was right, and I've often thought about those words from time to time. We put Koy down a few months later, and again, I was honored to be with him at the end.
Over the years we've been blessed to have many dogs share our home and lives. We have been richer for those experiences. Currently our oldest is 11 years of age. He was working with me just 2 years ago, but now is getting grayer, sleeps more, and can't hear or see as well as he did a few years ago. He still enjoys his daily walk, meals, and rides. And occasionally, he still enjoys helping with a client's dog that may stop by. But I know I'm again "living with an older dog".
Rather than worry about his decline or health, I try to enjoy him every day. I let him know how much he's loved, help him when he can't get in the car, let him enjoy special privileges, and even try to get some "alone" time together, away from our two younger dogs. He's happy, and he's been a wonderful dog. I'm sure he knows how much I appreciate him, and that's the most important thing right now.
As we all enjoy Thanksgiving this month, please remember to be thankful for the dogs that make our lives (and world) richer. In particular, spend a few extra moments enjoying and being thankful for any older dogs that may be in your family. They deserve it.
