Older, But Maybe Not Wiser

head and neck in profile of older German Shepherd with grey on muzzle facing to the right
Hawks Hunt Otter, age 13+

Fun fact: as I get older, my brain feels free to play fast and loose with numbers. Admiring my old girl Mila, my vet said, “Wow, she’s in great shape for a 12+ year old German Shepherd.” Which is true. Especially since she’s actually 13+ years old. Guess who misreported her age? Yep. Me. She’s been a part of my life when she was just a gleam in her mother’s ovary.

My age? Well, I’m headed towards 66, which when I was a kid seemed positively ancient. Downright elderly. Having arrived at this ripe age, I just feel crunchy, and frankly surprised by the little betrayals of my body. Seems in ways I cannot anticipate, some aspect of the feedback loop is missing. Trying to grate fresh nutmeg today I was surprised to see the hard little nut leap away to become a cat toy on the kitchen floor. Note to self: buy the already ground up stuff.

Dogs must feel this way too. As they age, their abilities also shift in ways that surprise them — and surprise us too. There is a moment where we look at these dear old friends, and we see with sudden clarity that the familiar muzzle is frosted, those beloved eyes are clouded. It is part of caring for our older animals that we may need to think ahead to where their enthusiasm may outstrip their abilities, where limits need to be set to protect them from overdoing it.

And yet, where is the balance to life? So many old animals have taught me a lot about this. My horses have lived to be 36, 31, 29, and 26, with a 30+ year old and 25 year old now. We had donkeys that lived to be 34 and 29, a 24 year old cow, a 13+ year old farm hog, a 16 year old rooster. Many of our dogs have made it to 13, 14, and 15. So I’ve been able to listen to many animals showing me how to become an old animal.

For all: Choice and freedom to live life on their terms are always a part of the picture. Companionship, familiar routines, the sweetness of delicious indulgences without putting them at risk, comfort when it is needed whether that’s a softer bed or a thicker blanket. Keeping them safe from themselves is sometimes necessary! but it needs to be done without letting them feel as if they’ve been robbed of what gave them joy. Balls might be hidden for discovery rather than thrown to be retrieved at speed, but the ball playing goes on. Walks are shorter, and over less demanding terrain. Life in a manageable size.

In other words, we tailor their lives as we have always tried to do: making sure their life is a comfortable fit for who they are. Not too big, not too small, but Just Right. We adjust daily, trying to find the balance for these splendid friends, even while we juggle the balance for ourselves.

Enjoy the journey with your dogs and all you love. The seasons continue to turn, and life goes on.

NOTE: This first appeared in the Sept 2023 newsletter. Be sure to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter – see the bottom of this page to add your email!