My Senior Dog
As I watch my beloved dog Lassie gracefully navigate her golden years, I can't help but reflect on the journey we've shared together. Adopting a rescue dog like Lassie has been a rewarding but challenging experience. Not knowing her exact age or the events that transpired in her life before she found her forever home with us adds an extra layer of complexity to her care. Yet, every day with Lassie is a reminder of the bond we share and the importance of adapting to her changing needs as she ages.
One of the first signs that Lassie was entering her senior years was the slow transformation of her once youthful face. Her fur began to turn white, like the traces of wisdom she had gained over the years.
Lassie's physical limitations became more apparent over time. She could no longer effortlessly jump into the car, our walks required more frequent pauses, and getting up from the floor became a challenge. It’s a very slow decline but I’m starting to see it more frequently. The day we took her for dental cleaning and our veterinarian suggested she was around seven years old was a moment of both surprise and acceptance. (I won’t lie, I was in denial about Lassie becoming a senior dog.) Our vet had grown fond of her for her being one of the friendliest Bangkaews he’s met, and his expertise confirmed that Lassie was advancing in age.
The diagnosis of degenerative joint disease was a tough pill to swallow. I had always tried to provide the best care for Lassie, ensuring she received ample exercise, high-quality food, and essential supplements. However, the reality was that her age-related conditions was beyond my control. It was not a reflection of my care, but a natural progression of life.
In response to Lassie's changing needs, I decided to make several adjustments to our daily routine and living environment to ensure her safety and comfort:
Shorter Walks: Lassie's walks became shorter, and I no longer rushed her across the road. Waiting patiently until it was safe to cross minimized any potential stress on her joints.
Limiting Stairs: To protect her joints, I reduced her trips up and down the stairs, reserving them for only essential occasions.
Joint Supplements: After consulting our veterinarian, I incorporated an additional joint supplement into her diet, tailored to her specific needs.
Yoga Mats and Beds: To prevent slips and falls, I strategically placed yoga mats and cozy beds around the house, ensuring Lassie had comfortable spots to rest and get up from.
Increased Enrichment: Enrichment activities became a more significant part of her daily routine. Scatter feeding, puzzle toys, and enrichment bowls provided mental stimulation and physical activity without straining her joints.
Vet Training: Anticipating the need for frequent vet visits, I started training Lassie to be comfortable with various procedures. This would make her visits less stressful for both her and our veterinarian.
Car Access: We acquired a set of steps to assist Lassie in getting into the car comfortably.
Over time, I will ask my contractor to help build a room for her downstairs so she doesn’t have to climb up the stairs and possibly make small modifications around the house so it’s easier on her.
Caring for an aging pet is a reminder of the love and responsibility that comes with pet ownership. While I can't turn back time or erase the effects of aging, I can adapt and provide Lassie with the best possible quality of life during her senior years. It's a privilege to watch her grow older.
If there's one invaluable lesson that having a senior dog has taught me, it's the virtue of patience. Every day, I remind myself that dogs don't live as long as humans do. She may not run as swiftly as she once did or leap onto the sofa anymore, but I will continue to care for her as she progresses through her golden years, doing everything in my power to ensure she enjoys the best quality of life possible.