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As an aging dog, I’ve seen the seasons come and go. I’ve walked hundreds of miles with you, my owner, the center of my world.
by Tina Deines
When I was young, I was beautiful. I used to get looks from everyone around. They called me a “handsome dog.” They said I had a “great physique” and that I was in my prime. I could hike with you for hours and then come home and play some more.
It’s been a few years since then. I’ve seen the seasons come and go. I’ve walked hundreds of miles with you, my owner, the center of my world.
We’ve had some great times, but I’m a little beaten up these days. I’ve inherited some new moles and skin tags. My once shiny fur is duller and gray around the muzzle, and you found a new lump on my leg last week (I forgive you for taking me to the vet in panic).
I might even be getting a little fat. Sorry about that—my metabolism is slowing down, just like it does with older folks.
I’m not so fast anymore. We can’t walk as far as we used to and I have to take longer breaks when we play fetch. Sometimes I have a hard time getting up and occasionally I even poop on the floor because I can’t make it outside.
Sometimes I stare at walls. Sometimes I don’t see them at all and run into them. And sometimes I can’t even see you, but I can smell you around somewhere.
But here’s the thing. I still love you, my human. Do you still love me too?
Will you still play with me even though I’m not a cute puppy anymore? Will you post pictures of me on Facebook because you still think I’m that same handsome dog, skin tags and all? Will you give me a good scratch on the neck like you did when I was younger?
Hey, I get it if you have to put me on that senior food, but will you still slip me a treat once in a while and tell me I’m a “good dog?” I love it when you call me that.
In return, I promise I’ll patiently wait for you to come home from work every day (and lick you like crazy when you walk through the door). I’ll rest my head on your lap when you’re feeling sad. I’ll listen to you complain about your boss, or your mother, or your husband, or anyone, really. I’ll still protect you from the postman, too, even if I have to limp to the door to do it.
I still love you, my human. Do you still love me too?
Tina is an Albuquerque-based writer specializing in dogs, wildlife and conservation. She loves hiking with her dogs Daisy and Rosie throughout New Mexico and beyond, and participates in canine agility with them. Daisy is addicted to tennis balls and Rosie responds to commands in three languages: English, Spanish and German. Tina blogs about dogs and wildlife at 21Pupstreet.com.
Karen
May 18, 2017 at 2:15 pm
i love this.
Dan
May 17, 2017 at 7:13 pm
We just had to send one of our Bassets off the other day. His skeleton was betraying him and he was in a lot of pain. We had only had him a few years (his original buddy ha been taken to the hospital and never returned. I wish I had know him as a puppy. Even at his age, he occasionally got excited and would prance around with our other Basset. But most of his time was spent on his bed. And he would moan and groan as he lay there. He didn't seem in pain — I palpated his legs and body but nothing elicited a cry.
He started to limp on one leg so we took him to the vet we've used for several years and she said his bones had to be giving him so much pain that we made the decision.
I hated it – as I've always hated it to put a pet down. But I only hope the law changes and I can make the choice — should it become the case — to make the decision for myself. That's a choice we had to make for Stashu…and Fred, and Murphy and Riley. I love dogs. I just wish they lived as long as we do.
JOan Barbo
Aug 6, 2017 at 9:47 pm
I so know what you mean. There is no worse pain – but if the result means freedom from pain or any suffering is better than existing but not truly living. I have spent nights on the floor with my dogs if it was too painful tonlrftbthem to my bed for fear they would try to get down and get hurt. Yes, I have spent that last night or two before that visit to the Vet. But I am always with my precious animal through the very end. As it should be. And yes, I wish I could help my family choose when my end should come. Bless you, Friend.
Catherine Nungesser
Dec 2, 2016 at 2:34 pm
That’s a lovely piece. And the answer to all those questions is YES! You’re my dog and I’ll always love and cherish you!!
Brent holden
Feb 21, 2017 at 5:57 pm
I will not only still love u ..I will cherish your memory until I die ..God bless you .