Lessons I’ve Learned from My Dog About Aging

Every morning at 6:00 a.m., Charlie, our miniature apricot poodle, stands up on the bed and does a brisk shake. It’s time to get up and walk the neighborhood. And even though I sometimes want to stay in bed longer, I’ve come to understand that my dog has a lot to share about growing older. He’s already half-way through his fourteenth year, and so, he knows about aging. I only need to pay a bit of attention to incorporate the lessons.

Keep Moving

Charlie walks best in the cool morning hours. And though he might be stiff with the first few steps, he moves amazingly well once he gets going. Walking remains an important part of his day even though he might stumble on an occasional curb. But he doesn’t give up.

Adapt to Your Limitations

There was a time when Charlie insisted on playing ball every morning. He’d leap and spin, barking and growling enthusiastically. He still plays, but it’s limited to one or two tugs on a dog toy. The joy remains though the activity level is diminished. He indulges in life within the context of his abilities.

If this Bush Doesn’t Work Out—Find Another

Charlie seeks out the best information the neighborhood has to offer. He carefully selects where to make his mark and when to leave his scent. Life is all about choices. Charlie knows the excitement of life is often found at the next bush.

Not Every Meal Needs to be Devoured

There was a time when Charlie ate his meals with gusto. Those days are over. He now eats with a lot of encouragement. Sitting next to him on the floor has become the routine. Often, we hand feed the first few bites to get him going. Sometimes, we even skip a meal because he’s just not interested.

Love Can be Expressed in Many Ways

Pleasure is all about eye contact. When you’re in Charlie’s company, he’s memorizing every detail of your face. In bed at night, Charlie is a regular hot water bottle. He enjoys looking into our eyes as he gets his nighttime scratch. Then, he plants himself next to you and doesn’t move much until the early morning hours.

Whining is Okay

Charlie moans a lot. Getting up, sitting down, or stretching, he seems to always have something to say. We’re hoping it’s just the normal aches and pains of the aging process. Despite it, he seems none the worse for wear.

Coughing is Another Way of Saying “I’m Here”

For two years, Charlie has endured congestive heart disease. His heart is so large that it presses on the esophagus creating a cough. It’s purely mechanical, and yet when it first started, we were terrified. But now, it has become his theme song. He’s adjusted to it and so we have stopped panicking. If he’s coughing, he’s still around.

Nothing is Forever

Charlie’s time may be limited, but then so is ours. At least for today, we are together and content to enjoy the moment. So, I will get down on the floor and give him another kiss as he studies my face. And isn’t that really all any of us have? This one moment? I think so.