Without any markers to show passage of time, it seems like our pooches' signs of aging come out of nowhere. Sure we have noticed graying in Miss M's ears, but since Mr. B is already gray it's more difficult to tell. Just the other week we had to doubletake as it seemed like Mr. B was looking a bit gaunt. We didn't think much of it and just started feeding the pooches a little bit more at each meal.
Much to their delight.
Until that day, Mr. B and I will continue to have our grand adventures everyday.
Also:
The Velveteen Pitbulls
Grand Adventures
How we love them
15 comments:
Our Chocolate lab Mac visibly shrunk as well. At first it was so slow, as to not be noticeable. But one day I looked at him and realized I could clearly see his hips, and his skull was becoming defined. So I did just what you did and upped his food intake (which he thought was THE BEST THING EVER) and doubled my efforts to enjoy every minute I had him. It worked. He is gone now, and I miss him every day. And his atrocious breath is legendary with our kids! Proud Mama!
Emmett is showing signs of an elderbull - obvious ones like his graying muzzle, and less obvious ones like how long it takes him to get out of bed in the morning. Lately I noticed that the skin around his neck seems a little... looser? Maybe he's experiencing what you described with Mr. B? He's probably around 10ish, so I'm trying to be super conscious of making sure he gets plenty of low-impact exercise, extra checkups at the vet, and tons of hugs and kisses all day every day (though I think he'd rather have more food!).
I can't remember...how old is Mr. B?
Brudder Ranger is 9-1/2 and he's really getting super grey and he's moving slower than he used to. But we haven't seen him shrinking. Maybe cuz he's a smaller doggie that that takes longer to set in?
Mom said she's noticed that in the last year, I've gotten some grey furs on my muzzle. I think she might be seeing things cuz I still feel like a puppy!
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
We had to put our 12 year old Akita Chaos to sleep back in December. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, making that decision. But Chaos let me know that it was time, that he was tired of being in pain. While I'm glad he doesn't hurt any more, I miss him like crazy.
This makes me incredibly sad. Our last dog "shrank" as well and our old cat is doing the same. They say you should never outlive your children and we know we WILL generally outlive our pets (as we should) but it is still sad to think of them being gone.
Carpe diem, Mr. B.
A part of me is so sad reading this (Mr. B has become a part of my daily routine!!), but it also makes me so happy that this guy got to live until he shrunk! I remember you guys saying how hard it was to find an elderbull (it is here, too) -- which tells me that they aren't allowed to live that long.
Soak up those adventures with him - and share them with us!
Max was diagnosed with arthritis in his hips, last weekend. Hearing the vet say this made my heart stop but then I realized he still has many years ahead of him, his needs are just changing. His white muzzle had me fooled into thinking he'll be a 6 year old pup for the rest of his life.
At 7, Sadie's starting to slow down. We started her on glucosamine this winter to help her creaky cold joints & when I tried taking her off it when the weather warmed, she hobbled around like a 90 year old for a few days. It made me realize she's at the age where she needs every day support. :(
Be glad Mr M is gray already. Black lab Maggie has decided to grow in her grays on her chin and her, um, lady parts. We make lots of granny crotch jokes around our house!
I totally understand. Turkey is starting to show signs of aging too.
But like you said, while I might have to let him go someday, I will just have as many adventures with him as I can in the meantime!
Emily @ Our Waldo Bungie
www.ourwaldobungie.com
You might think of investing in some fitness balls for the dogs (FitPaws is a good brand directed towards dogs). Older dogs start losing muscle mass, and things like exercise ball workouts are really great for helping them maintain what muscle they have without being hard on their joints, since it is a no impact workout.
I've noticed the same shrinking in Boomer, he's still tall and still has muscle but it's different, it's in his ribs, hips and his head, I can tell. And, everyday I see more gray fur creeping in, first his chin, then into his muzzle and yesterday I noticed it in his eyebrows!
My sweet boy will be 10 years old in June and I can't believe it, it seems like yesterday I was holding him on the way home from the farm.
What a beautiful post! It makes me super sad though - I feel like Mr. B and Ms. M are part of my family as you all are part of my daily routine :-). He is super handsome though and I'm sure he is really enjoying every day with you and Ms. M.
Try not to think about that inevitable day. It will eat away at you if you think about it too much. I look at my boy with his greys and his sometimes tired look and it makes me sad. Love every ounce of them with everything you have.
I don't look forward to the day that Kaya & Norman grow older, but at least I will have all the great memories in between. I love your velveteen pit bull post:) At least from your blog pictures, Mr B looks as great as ever.
My "kids" are all over the board: 3, 8, and three are 15, which is a little terrifying. All we can do is enjoy each and every day with them to the fullest! We should stop to smell the roses anyway; why not do it with the being(s) that makes us happiest?
Post a Comment