As summer has arrived, it very clear that Phod is now an old Man. He is not in pain or suffering, more than the occasional stiffness that we are all blessed with as we age. However, the signs are there.
First, he doesn't like if his routine is changed at all. This is him sulking because I had my morning tea on the back deck and not inside.
He is walking much slower and doesn't like to go as far. Our morning walks are about half an hour now (they use to be 45-60 minutes and this likely wasn't always long enough for this pair). In the field we end up very far behind Hailey and the Man.
He doesn't want to play fetch or run. While he still loves Precious, and wants her outside with him, they tend to just hang out together. At best he may want you to throw it once or twice, but more often than that, not at all.
Our first two dogs lived to 8 and 6 respectively, so this is our first experience with a true senior dog. While it makes my heart heavy to know our time is more limited with our boy, it is my goal to give him the best golden years possible. I like to think, he is living his best life, at least most of the time!
we hope for a wonderful golden time for you tooo
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh yes, those last special times will lodge in our memories and we can enjoy the privilege of having shared a full life - Zaphod was lucky to have landed all four paws into your fold! YAM xx
The best times can be those last years; you are lucky to share them.
ReplyDeleteWe've all gotten a bit slower in our older age, Phod. You just do what you want and don't push it. We think more lake swimming would be good exercise for you.
ReplyDeleteWe know what that's like. Chester is doing a lot less now too. He doesn't do stairs, or run after squirrels (if they run when they see him look out the door, his work is done) and he sleeps a lot.
ReplyDeleteBeing a senior is such a special time, Phod. Make sure you get lots and lots of extra kisses and hugs♥
ReplyDeleteDear handsome, this makes me think of my friend Cobi who slowed down like this and had ears like yours. I too am slowing down a little, but shhh, don't tell anyone. I am sure you have many, many more days in the sun with your Precious. What a great life you have!
ReplyDeleteIt's always a cruel fact of life...this aging process. But he seems healthy and happy even if a tad slower. Savour all those precious minutes together, whether they're on the back deck or inside. 😍
ReplyDeletePhod, I can relate. It's tough getting old. ~Ernie
ReplyDeleteK10...I do so understand how you feel. Quality of life and love and shelter are what our furries want and time by our sides. Maybe Phod will become accustomed to outside tea..as long as his Lady is with him. I love the look you are getting as you snap his photo with Precious.
ReplyDeleteMadi mellow somewhat as she aged, she was never a lap cat but she was a beside us cat. Sending hugs
Cecilia
For sure Phod is living his best life. Good old Phod.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy retirement Phod! I am sure Lady and Man are giving you lots of lovin'!!
ReplyDeleteNot one of our four pugs made it past eight.... and our German Shepherd was old at 8, and we lost him at nine. He, too, slowed down, but unlike Phod, he whimpered with every move, even as he moved around on the floor, despite supplements and meds, unitl we knew it was time. I wish they lived as long as we do.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
ReplyDeleteI can't conceive of a world without Phod...
ReplyDeleteYou do you, P. Your mama gets you and so do I. I am 15 and I sleep like a log in the middle of the day. I still do zoomies, but they are waaaay shorter than they used to be. And followed by a nap.
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
We all go a bit slower, take it more gently as the days and years pass ~ yet it is and can be a very good and beautiful time when the ones we love are there with us and understand ... as you do.
ReplyDeletePhod is still a handsome Boy! Slower and more gently is the purrfect guy (so Cinnamon tells me). Sending him live Barb and Cinnamon
ReplyDelete