The Five Myths of Having a Senior Dog

Our dog is an old dog. Some people think having an old dog is the opposite of fun. I beg to differ with them. Cleo couldn't be more fun and cute, entertaining and full of personality. She also still makes us feel protected with her booming barks, and watchful radar-like ears listening for trouble.

Just looking at her over in the other room, five myth-busters popped into my head:

Myth 1. They're boring.

Fact: How can you be bored when you have this face around keeping you in stitches?

Myth 2. They're expensive.

Fact: We eat the same foods as she does, only minus the kibble. Even her pills are delivered via high-grade liverwurst that we share.

Myth 3. Senior dogs only sleep.

Fact: Sometimes we wish she would nap more. When she isn't napping, you get this come hither look which causes our hands to move in her direction. Books are set down. TV isn't watched, and we end up playing a game or going for a walk.

Myth 4. They're ugly.

Fact: Really?

Myth 5. Senior dogs will break your heart.

Fact: Cleo not only works tirelessly to give us imagery, hairy mementos, and good times that are forever etched in our minds and hearts - she teaches us life lessons that we can apply to our human friends and family. She has ensured her legacy will live on in us, and many others far and away. Cleo's body will depart but not her presence. You can't miss her presence now, how can we later?

You owe it to yourself to have a senior dog in your life. They will make you a better human being. And if by chance you feel a piece of your heart missing after they leave this earth, don't worry. It is a high value item to them, and like their favorite toy, they will take care to keep it safe until you meet again.

Do you have a senior dog? Have you had one in the past? Please share your experiences in the comments, and if you know of more mythbusters tell us!

Comments

[Malika Bourne and Attacks With Love]

Joining you from Twitter and blog for change. My name is Attacks with Love. i ma a portly senior service dog. My ,an has MS. My Nanna writes about me.
Thank for posting about us experienced dogs.

[Katie]

Yep, yep, this post is spot on.

I recently lost my 11 year old dog. I had her since she was a puppy, and without a doubt, the years I enjoyed most were her senior years, 7 and up. She was old and wise enough to be pretty low maintenance, so we could focus on just hanging out and having a good time.

"And if by chance you feel a piece of your heart missing after they leave this earth, don't worry. It is a high value item to them, and like their favorite toy, they will take care to keep it safe until you meet again."
Um, I think I have something in my eye. Both eyes.

"Myth 3. Senior dogs only sleep."
Psht. My old dogs never got THAT memo.

[Sharon]

Seriously Katie, we have a new understanding for the word "bittersweet".

Cleo is now like my father. You think she's asleep then BOOM surprise! She's moved into another room, sidled next to your chair and is breathing on you. For a dog who bumps into stuff and is generally so loud otherwise, she can be stealthy quiet.

I'm so glad you took the time to hang out with your dog. Puppies need to be worn out before they can hang out, but not old dogs and I love Cleo for that.

Thanks for commenting!
-Sharon

[Sharon]

Welcome Malika! Thank you for stopping by. Our appreciation for older dogs has grown leaps and bounds with Cleo.

[Dawn]

Most of my dogs have lived to a good ripe old age. One thing I really loved about them as they got older is that they became less mischievous, more well-behaved, and quieter. And even though they did sleep more often, they could still be energetic fur-balls of cuteness.

[Sharon]

Dawn - it's true! Cleo is cuter than before. How she manages that is beyond me.

Thanks for stopping by!
-Sharon

[Pup Fan]

So true, all around. :)

[Sharon]

Thanks AJ ...coming from you, that is high praise. I am a convert to senior dogs!