In praise of older dogs

[gemy]

We have spent 10 or more years together. Your muzzle has grayed and your gait is stiff now. But still you want to play and be loved. We know each other so very well. A tilt of the head is all the correction you might need. A lift of a finger substitutes for a full command signal.

You come to me more freqently now for pets and re-assurance. You still want to be the big boy - but your body is much weaker and you know it. Vulnerable-you might guard warn more - get more testy with strangers and strange noises. But still you command the prime spot at the base of my feet.

I let you now command residence on our couches when never before was this allowed. Our other dogs seem to know this spot(s) is only for you - and so it is. We have changed your feeding to smaller amounts and more frequently so that you can digest your food well.

We get up you and I in the middle of the night to respond to a call of nature that you never had before as a young adult. But you and I can walk slowly and calmly for a mile or more - just allowing you to smell what ever where ever.

We may be old n slow - but that matches are deep abiding love for you.

[anneclaire]

♥♥♥♥♥♥

[Yorkiemom1]

Stunningly, heartbreakingly beautiful Gail......I cry as I read this....

I have 7 of my reliable, proven, wonderful breeders that are the very building blocks of Rosehill Yorkies, that are reaching 14-15 years of age this year....it wont be long for my precious seniors....we all move slower, more deliberately.....we are all retired, enjoying sunshine and long lazy days, doing whatever we want to do, whenever we want to get around to it......daily, we walk around the property, and I quietly, reverently pick out the location of each of their resting places, in large, oversized pots that will allow a peaceful resting place for each, with a beautiful blooming plant celebrating each of their wonderful, loving lives.....they will travel with me if I ever move from here, and when I go as a spirit to the other side, they will all go to my brothers beautiful, peaceful ranch in North Texas, for in ground interment.....

[KairaPup]

Ooh...this reminds me so of our late Lulu, who was 12 when she passed away..being a large dog, she was old..

and of my chi, who blesses me every day and I hope I have many years left with, and who's muzzle and eyebrows are white. He is handsome as ever.

[JasmineNoelle]

So beautifully written. We are seeing some changes in our precious darling Prissy who is 14. We brought her home at 8 weeks and I have always been with her.
1. We are starting to get up in the middle of the night for potty breaks.
2. Changed to canned food due to dental. (She does have yearly dentals at vet)
3. She requires more quiet time from her fur sisters.
4. The grandchildren are not allowed to hold her anymore, except for the older ones that she has known for all her life.
5. We take the stroller during our walks so when she tires, she rides and rest.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by JasmineNoelle

So beautifully written. We are seeing some changes in our precious darling Prissy who is 14. We brought her home at 8 weeks and I have always been with her.
1. We are starting to get up in the middle of the night for potty breaks.
2. Changed to canned food due to dental. (She does have yearly dentals at vet)
3. She requires more quiet time from her fur sisters.
4. The grandchildren are not allowed to hold her anymore, except for the older ones that she has known for all her life.
5. We take the stroller during our walks so when she tires, she rides and rest.

We lovingly adjust to their needs and changes in stamina, and all the other changes we see begin to take effect. This morning, I have noticed one of my males who has been a fabulous breeder, and has thrown some gorgeous, healthy babies over the years,,,,,when I was carrying him to another area of the yard, he initiated a swimming motion with his front legs...very subtle, but this is new and I know in my heart is an indication of something age related that is creeping up on him.....and I hold him close, and kiss his precious little face......

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

We lovingly adjust to their needs and changes in stamina, and all the other changes we see begin to take effect. This morning, I have noticed one of my males who has been a fabulous breeder, and has thrown some gorgeous, healthy babies over the years,,,,,when I was carrying him to another area of the yard, he initiated a swimming motion with his front legs...very subtle, but this is new and I know in my heart is an indication of something age related that is creeping up on him.....and I hold him close, and kiss his precious little face......

Awh Judy We do so adjust and we ache with each change for we know in our heart of hearts what it foretells.

I too see the changes in my senior and I know he weakens as he ages. Where once he had a straight top line it is faltering now as his rear end weakens. He no longer jumps up onto our bed and for sure I would not send him over obedience jumps. I don't let him chase balls anymore we now only play find the ball or send him into the water to retreive. This year I retire him from dock jumping a sport he adores!! I just do not want to take the chance of traumatic injury.

It is gosh dang awfull when we know we are facing a loss of a beloved dog just from time - and for you three or more - I just can't imagine it! My heart aches enough for only one.

[patchesmom10]

I am crying as I read simply beautiful

[Yorkiemom1]

Yes.........as my wonderful, beautiful, strong seniors begin to move slower, enjoy just lying in a sun beam as it spills into the den and warms the floor, raise heads up, ears ever alert, and warning barks are issued to the postman or salesman at the front door, but no excited running to the door to let the visitor know "we are here, watching over the house".....just hollering it out where the visitors can hear......sleeping later in the morning, rising slower, to give those old bones and joints time to join the morning ritual....it absolutely breaks my heart and soul, and I suppose as I also am getting older, and utilization of time is of the essence, I look at my precious babies, remembering all the great times we had when they were all young......and I am saddened to see it all come to the end.....I tried to plan for all this, and I have youngsters that are healthy and strong and will grow into old age with me....trying to plan it so I will have a few of my healthy Rosehill Yorkies surrounding me at my end, but not leaving too many behind for my son and brother to cope with....what a balancing act!!!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by KairaPup

Ooh...this reminds me so of our late Lulu, who was 12 when she passed away..being a large dog, she was old..

and of my chi, who blesses me every day and I hope I have many years left with, and who's muzzle and eyebrows are white. He is handsome as ever.

Awh yes this is a large breed my Magic boy. 10 to 12 is average life expectancy......

I so hope you have many years left with your chi as I hope with my Yorkie who is only seven.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Yes.........as my wonderful, beautiful, strong seniors begin to move slower, enjoy just lying in a sun beam as it spills into the den and warms the floor, raise heads up, ears ever alert, and warning barks are issued to the postman or salesman at the front door, but no excited running to the door to let the visitor know "we are here, watching over the house".....just hollering it out where the visitors can hear......sleeping later in the morning, rising slower, to give those old bones and joints time to join the morning ritual....it absolutely breaks my heart and soul, and I suppose as I also am getting older, and utilization of time is of the essence, I look at my precious babies, remembering all the great times we had when they were all young......and I am saddened to see it all come to the end.....I tried to plan for all this, and I have youngsters that are healthy and strong and will grow into old age with me....trying to plan it so I will have a few of my healthy Rosehill Yorkies surrounding me at my end, but not leaving too many behind for my son and brother to cope with....what a balancing act!!!

Judy we will behere for each other when the inevitable happens. As will many on YT will bewith us. I truly can not imagine that balancing act. I tco have planned for end of ymy life decisions.........Razzle back to my breeder - Dara to another BRT breeder friend.....

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by gemy

Judy we will behere for each other when the inevitable happens. As will many on YT will bewith us. I truly can not imagine that balancing act. I tco have planned for end of ymy life decisions.........Razzle back to my breeder - Dara to another BRT breeder friend.....

Thank you Gail...bless your kind, overflowing heart......hopefully, I am not going to be "crossing over" for at least another 15 years...and I will be totally dogless by then....I have never been without a dog.....maybe by then I will be so lost in my mind and memories, I wont even know it! I will be running around with a little stuffed dog in my arms, patting it on the head, perfectly content!!!!

[Juliealfies mum]

We are also at this stage , Alfie is 12 next month and can no longer go for long walks or jump on the furniture I lift him up , get up through the night, he is epileptic and has had a cluster of fits recently and is also now on other types of medication to support his liver and kidneys so I treasure him every day as if it's his last , he knows he is loved and that is the main thing. My little Lottie will be 11 this year she has survived a mast cell tumour in her leg which was found to be stage 2 , this was 2 years ago but for all her tiny size she is a fighter and is still quite spritly she can still jump on the bed and still like her walks but we don't go as far now, I dread the day that I lose them and try not to worry about it but my hear will break and I don't know if I will ever have any more dogs but the dogs I have had will always have a place in my hear.

[Juliealfies mum]

I am thankful for everyday day day that I have with my little ones and realise that I an blessed to have them in my life . Iam hopeful for every day that I have and I wish that I have the fortitude to realise when the day comes that I can no longer keep them safe and healthy and secure in their little life's . I hope that I have the sense to know this , as it's not always black and white but the main things Is they will always be my number 1 priority and I always try my very best for them and that 2nd best is not an option. When I brought them into my life, it was for life and all it entails . When all is said and done we care for them and love them forever .