A fine breeze and 33C heat can feel good when you are an elder statesdog.
Warmth eases a seniors’ discomfort
Tag: senior dog
Gifts
Achilles, dozing on a sunny late winter (effectively spring) day. I adopted Achilles nearly nine years ago and did not expect to still have this good boy. We are still graced with his presence and each day he is here is a gift. I’m deeply grateful.
EDITED TO ADD: I adopted Achilles almost ten years ago. That’s how the years have flown by!
Stella’s challenging day
Stella had another dental procedure done yesterday. It involved incising sections of gum tissue and flapping them over then suturing them into place over oronasal fistulae, Two flaps over one fistula, two over another. There were car rides before and after. Poor girl. The ride home was hard on her and all of us wanted to be home, in our home, where we could rest in a safe place.
The alternative – doing nothing – was not an alternative.
She ate well this morning and got all the prescribed Metacam dose, and ate well tonight. Stella is doing all right this evening, right now a doughnut dog in the bolster bed. Tomorrow evening I’ll take her on a stroll around the block.
This is an older photo, a favourite one, of her watching the world from her perch in a bed on the deck.
Kendal
Faye and I had to make the difficult decision to let go of our beloved Kendal. His pain grew progressively worse, even with pain management medications.
I never want to let go of a dog. Yet its the kind, the compassionate – the right – thing to do, difficult and wrenching as it is.
I miss having him on the dog bed next to the computer desk. I’ll miss his shenanigans. I still and will always treasure him, and how he enriched my life. I’ve been very blessed to know and love him.
There is a saying. ‘He’s not gone, just gone on ahead.’
Thank you, Kendal. Thank you for scouting the way. I look forward to hearing your report.
Travelling companion
Achilles got to go on a recent trip. He’s such a good boy on the road.
Have a minute?
We always have a minute for you, Kendal.
Whatcha doing?
Kendal would like a word . . .
Stella
My Australian Cattle Dog mix Stella recently became twelve years old a senior dog, reckoned in human years. That makes her, by some calculations, 84. I’m skeptical she’s that old.
She’s slowed down a little, lost a step or two. Stella likes the comfort of the couch a little more, and a little more often, than in years past. Yet she’s still ready for a walk no matter what the weather. And on the walk she’s still still nose down yet head up with eyes open, reacting to what she smells, hears, sees. I still have to pay close attention to her, what’s around us, what has her attention. That’s good, keeps me attentive and alert.
I’m very blessed to have had her for these years, and look forward to having her for more.
Kendal on Patrol
Our senior boy Kendal on patrol in the backyard. He’s thirteen and perhaps his favourite place in his universe during this very harsh winter has been on the bed, in front of the Magic Heat Box aka the wall furnace. It’s been a challenging winter, especially for his arthritic bones. Now we are soaking up the sun, the warmth of March, and are very grateful. It’s so good that Kendal is here to help us welcome the blessed warmth of spring.
Snuggled
Kendal, nestled against Stella’s back.
previouslytexan 