Last updated on August 28, 2017
Only his white muzzle shows his age, he is 13 years old but doesn’t act like it. Two years ago we rescued a puppy, and from this day on he decided to be playful again. Not a day goes by when they don’t play and run. Then they come in panting, and they lay down and sleep for a few hours.
He is my buddy, my companion, my bodyguard, my shadow -he is where I am since the day we took him in. He can be found sleeping under my desk, or at my feet when we watch TV. He sleeps on a pillow in front of my bed and stays up with me when I can’t sleep, even though he hates it.
The other night he felt lost. It was already dark when I let them out one last time before we went to bed. When I called them to come back in, he just stood there. The other dogs came in, he didn’t move. He looked at the glass door like he had never seen it before and then he stared into the darkness. I called him by his name, but he didn’t react.
I am not sure how I could tell, but I knew instantly that he didn’t know what to do. To me, it almost looked like he didn’t know where he was. Dogs, just like humans, can lose the connection with their memories when they get older. Dogs, just like humans, can have problems with their eyesight.
I grabbed the leash, walked outside and softly called him. He looked up, his demeanor changed the minute I hooked him onto the leash and we walked inside.
Upstairs he went on his pillow and I couldn’t fall asleep. I know he is getting older and I know I have to be alert. The moment will come when I have to make the decision to let go. That’s the unwritten rule, the silent promise we give our pets the day we take them in. “There will be no suffering.”
I had a heavy heart the next day when I mentioned the incident to my husband. I watched the dogs all day long; he acted like nothing ever happened. He played hard and later on that afternoon I saw him laying on his back, sunbathing in our drive way.
It made me smile. He might have his senior moments now, but he is still enjoying life to the fullest and milks us for treats every chance he gets -and there are plenty.
We have time left, that’s the good news and knowing it brings me joy. Humans and their pets, that’s a special love that’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it.
This post neede a Love button. So beautiful. I know how you feel, it’s tough but they are so worth it.
Inspiration to us all… young at bark.
They are both so cute and sound like amazing companions. I love my Boston terrier because she is such a good companion. Have you ever hear of one?
Thinking of you. My parent’s dog and Butter’s good friend just went through this type of thing and it is hard on everyone. So glad things look up at this time, hoping for many more years!
Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. I hope your parent’s dog will have many more good years as well.
I guess they’re called “domesticated” for a reason!
This is so sweet and sad too. What a wonderful companion.
That he is, he is my buddy. 🙂
Loved this
The sad truth about the furbabies is that they have shorter lifespans than we do. The best we can do is enjoy them as much as we can in the oh-so-fleeting time they’re with us and worry about the end when it gets here.
He is loved and happy, and you can tell. I hope the senior moment was a one-off, but I know better. Your being vigilant is the best thing you can do for him. He looks rather like a large version of my Sausha, who died in 2012, at 16 years of age. I still miss her and all my furbabies, so yes, I understand. 🙁
He is happy. We had a rough start when I rescued him. He was not my favorite pet. He was only six months old back then and super hyper. It took about half a year before we bonded for life.
This brought tears to my eyes, Bridget. As sad as I get as my pets go, I rejoice in knowing that they had a heck of a good time living with me and were smothered in love. <3
It hadn’t occurred to me that our fur-babies could have senior moments too. We want them to stay the young vibrant fur ball that came into our lives, even while we age. Hopefully you have him healthy and happy for a long time yet <3
Yes they do and it’s not always easy to watch. Right now he is snoring a storm under my desk. Gosh I want to be a dog on rainy days. 🙂
Yeah, I look at Theo’s life sometimes and wonder who exactly is the superior species 😉
haha
They do give us so much love in return for food and a bed. It seems that they always want to give back more than they receive.
Perhaps something we should learn from them?
Brought tears to my eyes. I have a senior cat whose actions every now and then remind me that I won’t have her much longer. She’s the sweetest cat I’ve ever known and it will kill me when it’s time to let go, but I know it’s my responsibility to prevent her from suffering. Great piece.
I did not mean to make your cry. Thank you for reading. I am glad you liked my post.
Our neighbor’s sweet dog had to be euthanized earlier this year. Missy was our walking partner and just the biggest love bug. I cried for days when she died.
Great blog! Made me think of our chocolate lab-Sissy. We know she doesn’t have much longer with us, but we are going to love her and be there until her final breath. Makes me sad just thinking about it.
Love is not easy isn’t it?
What a beautiful boy and yes, that bound is indescribable. Those senior moments do creep in- I remember the first time I walked into the house and my Sammy was still asleep on the living room chair- he hadn’t heard me turn the key in the lock. Hard to face those changes- enjoy every single minute with them.
I know what you mean. He is not so alert anymore and I can surprise him. I try not to think about it, but know it can surprise us any day.
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
Thank you for the reblog my friend.