Living with a Senior Dog and the Importance of Finding Homes for Senior Dogs in Shelters
On November 6, 2000, my life was forever changed for the better when I brought home a little fur ball that I had found two days earlier at a pet supply store where the local animal shelter had brought several puppies hoping to find them homes. It was love at first sight when this little white and black fur ball that fit in the palm of my hand climbed onto my lap. Although my heart said, "Take this puppy home now," I wanted to take a day or two and make sure I was ready for the responsibility of becoming a puppy parent. My friend who was with me at the time, however, knew that the puppy who would come to be known as Cassie, was meant to be with me and snuck back and paid the adoption fee so that Cassie would be waiting for me when I accepted what my friend and I already knew: I was becoming a puppy parent. When I went to the shelter the following day to say I wanted the puppy, I learned she was already mine and would be permitted to come home with me the following day.
Cassie and I have been through a lot together over the past 14 years. She has saved my life in more ways than one. The energetic, little puppy who grew up and learned how to let herself out the front storm door if I forgot to lock it and make her rounds through the neighborhood, calmed significantly as she aged. By the time she was three, no leash was needed as Cassie would rarely leave my side. Until recently, all I would have to do is make a noise and she was right back by my side if she strayed too far.
A few months ago, however, our lives began to change and we are both learning to deal with the new reality of Cassie's age. While I had thought many times previously that I was going to lose her when she was battling cancer and through other health scares, I wasn't really prepared for her to start showing her age and acting like a senior dog. I've been fortunate. Cassie has not acted like an "old dog" until recently. For well over 13 years, Cassie greeted me at the door whenever I came home. The first few times she did not greet me at the door, I ran through the house panicked, thinking she was dead. When I would find her and touch her, she would jump and look at me, obviously scared. What I now know is that she has started sleeping very soundly during the day and, likely, is starting to lose her hearing. So when I come home now, I start talking and calling for her as soon as I walk in the door letting my voice get louder and louder until she realizes I am there. I know I still scare her at times, but we are both adjusting.
Mornings are our best time. In the morning, she still acts like the playful pup I've always had. Evenings vary. Sometimes she is playful, other times she simply sleeps. I must watch her more closely when she is outside because she gets confused in the evenings and sometimes wanders farther than she should and cannot hear me calling her back. I've learned to gauge when she has had too much activity and get her home to rest or she will be down for days. She has medicines now to help with several age-related, non-life-threatening issues. Cassie and I are learning to live with the new reality of her age. I know it's my responsibility to care for her and make sure she has what she needs to be comfortable and live her remaining days to the fullest. It's the responsibility I wanted to make sure I was prepared to undertake when I found her at Petsmart 14 years ago.
More and more people have asked me recently if I will be getting another puppy when Cassie's time on earth finally ends. My initial reaction was no, no dog could every replace her. However, I also know that I am too much of a dog lover to never have another dog again. Rather than a puppy though, I will likely adopt an older dog. There are thousands of older dogs who find themselves in shelters for various reasons, none of which are the dog's fault. These dogs are just as deserving of good homes as puppies and, most likely, are already trained and socialized. Older dogs are at higher risk in shelters and less likely to be adopted because people think they want puppies and don't realize just how special older dogs can be. At Bordas and Bordas, we know the difference animals make in our lives and the difference we can make in the lives of animals who need loving homes. If you are prepared to accept the responsibilities of caring for an older dog, I would encourage you to consider giving a home to a shelter dog who has lost its home through no fault of its own. The love you will receive from that grateful pup will more than likely pay you back for the responsibility you have undertaken.
On November 6, 2000, my life was forever changed for the better when I brought home a little fur ball that I had found two days earlier at a pet supply store where the local animal shelter had brought several puppies hoping to find them homes. It was love at first sight when this little white and black fur ball that fit in the palm of my hand climbed onto my lap. Although my heart said, "Take this puppy home now," I wanted to take a day or two and make sure I was ready for the responsibility of becoming a puppy parent. My friend who was with me at the time, however, knew that the puppy who would come to be known as Cassie, was meant to be with me and snuck back and paid the adoption fee so that Cassie would be waiting for me when I accepted what my friend and I already knew: I was becoming a puppy parent. When I went to the shelter the following day to say I wanted the puppy, I learned she was already mine and would be permitted to come home with me the following day.
