Do you know one way the millions of Baby Boomers could use their powerful force to help improve the lives of animals? They could foster or adopt a senior dog.
Walking a senior dog, keeps you both healthy!
Living in San Francisco, the hills make it easy to get daily exercise. At the start of her walks, Cleo jogs down the street, before taking a sharp turn straight up a steep incline. This daily exercise helps maintain her weight at a steady 85 lbs now for two years in a row. As a senior dog, it is important to keep excess weight off so we don't put any additional stress on Cleo's joints.
There are many reasons to include a senior dog in a senior household, and the benefits are mutual.
Caring for Cleo's diet now that she is a senior dog, makes us more health conscious. As we focus on reading labels to avoid foods we know Cleo is allergic to, we also become more aware of our own diet. I have gotten into the habit of trying more gluten-free products.
Besides being a motivator to get us out of the house and walking, our dog Cleo has gotten us to slow down and appreciate the everyday human-dog interaction. We enjoy watching her behavior and mannerisms as she picks out a toy to greet us with, or when she decides it is playtime. You can see clearly she is going through a series of choices each time.
A senior dog, like a person, has gone through more and has a richer memory to draw from. Cleo is no exception, and her personality and interaction with us reflects her age. She is far more dynamic and multi-faceted than even two years ago. We feel very fortunate to be with her. We benefit from her as much as she benefits from us. Now I am off to cuddle with this senior dog who holds my gaze for long moments.
Learn more about human-animal interactions:
Senior Dogs and Baby Boomers
Upon retirement I moved from spending all my life in New Jersey to our home in Nevada. My wife retired from her job and my K-9 Partner retired with me. He and I supported each other as we grew older and slowed down. We knew what each other needed to continue life as long as possible. Sadly and greatly missed my Partner has gone to rest,
Since that time my wife and I have fostered and adopted dogs from the local shelter. Fostering doesn't work in my house. The bonds become to tight. A "partner" may foster in but, he/she never leaves.
Your entry hit home for us as we are greatly involved in supporting each other as longly married humans and two rescued Shepherds.
The "Little Guy" (100 lbs,) spends all his time with my Wife. This fellow is younger and in sleek shape. He and my very energetic wife support themselves with huge amounts of fun and exercise. Then on the other hand is `the "Big Guy" (121 lbs,) and me. Both old, beat up, and very slow. We were made for each other. We are specifically tuned in to each other as we go through the process of getting old. We both hurt, we both have "bad days" and we both spend a lot of time at the doctor's office. He and I have a very sedate lifestyle together. As a family, My Wife and I read a lot about canine nutrition, exercise, and health. We are able to provide a fine environment for the four of us that is as healthy as possible, stress free, and safe. Senior People and Senior Dogs going through the education of life and old age together and helping each other "Get through" it. Thanks for you article and outlook.
Bill, Libby, Mr. Bruno, and St. Michael's Spirit.
Posted by: William F (Bill) and Libby A. Hoover | August 25, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Dear Bill and Libby
Thank you so much for sharing a small slice of your daily life. I really appreciate it and hearing/reading what other folks are experiencing is what I love about the Grouchy Puppy site and blog.
Please come back and share anytime or on our Facebook wall too. Your stories are very important to share with others.
All the best,
Sharon and Cleo
Posted by: Sharon | September 01, 2011 at 10:45 AM