×

Adopting a senior dog comes with joys (and a ticking clock)

Adopting senior pets can be quite difficult, emotionally. There’s no doubt about it. However, it’s something I’ve been doing for years because, on the other hand, there is nothing that brings me more joy than a senior pet.

They are so defined (and refined) in their ways, mellow, reserved and wise beyond their years. They’ve got more character about them and always end up teaching me so very much.

The downside is that we take the risk of not having them with us as long as a younger dog or puppy.

The tradeoff is that we share more quality time together than any other pet, or human, for that matter.

There quite simply is nothing like a senior pet, but it can be tough as age starts to rear its ugly head.

We adopted our Mabel more than two years ago with no idea of her age, although her whitening face told us she was already an older dog.

She was a stray rescued by some nice people and brought to Admiral Peary Doggie Lodge in Cresson, where we saw her story via a Facebook post and ended up adopting her.

She’s one of the best dogs we’ve ever had. We just don’t know how old she is and I know in my heart of hearts she’s an antique!

We have treated Mabel for seizures since her arrival. They have been nicely, and inexpensively, (roughly $17 per month) controlled by medicine and our veterinarian’s care.

Over the past months, her back legs have become more wobbly as have her front legs, which is common for a senior pet.

She is losing muscle mass and it’s starting to show in her gait and her lack of confidence when she walks or takes the steps.

She still has moments of “get up and go” in her and spunky spurts, which are as refreshing as they are comical to witness. But, for the most part, Mabel likes to find a nice comfortable spot on the couch or recliner, preferably wrapped in a soft blanket, and nap her day away.

She eats well and loves her treats and morning and evening walks with her dad. She and my husband don’t walk far any longer — just around the block — but Mabel counts on those walks to meet her daily constitutional needs.

We know we won’t have her with us forever, although we’d give anything to set that clock back so we could have more time with her.

Losing a pet is one of life’s greatest tragedies for sure. There is nothing so empty as the feeling of loss — especially of a pet. Their unconditional love is irreplaceable and extremely rare.

I’m in no way writing Mabel off just yet! We’ve got a lot of beautiful months ahead of sunshine and green grass for her to lounge in. I just know that it’s important to prepare ourselves as best we can — if that’s even possible — for the day when it’s Mabel’s turn to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Hopefully, she’s as resilient as I give her credit for being, and she outlives my every expectation!

For now, each day and moment is extra special, and we love on her as much as we can — she loves love that’s for sure — and we can certainly oblige.

Amy J. Hanna-Eckenrode is the author of “Have Dog Will Blog,” editor of the Central PA Pets magazine and director of the Central PA Pet Expo. She can be contacted at ahanna

@altoonamirror.com.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today