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.
The joy remains even if the activity is diminished – that’s my favourite bit, to keep finding and experiencing the joy in life.
It’s clear you both enjoy a great relationship.
Yes, we do. He’s my writing buddy. Always nearby.
Oh this is so sweet but heartbreaking at the same time. I LOVED this post! We recently lost our family dog at the ripe age of 16 and she was so crazy as a puppy. The later years are always more relaxed!
HA! YES! I love that you’re learning from your dog! A man’s best friend is definitely an education tool 🙂 I mean, what are friend’s for, right?
Keep moving is definitely a good lesson. The longer you sit still, the harder it will be to move when you try to. Thank you for this. I have a Great Dane/Mastiff mix that is already starting to have joint issues (large breeds problems) so this is an important lesson for both me and him, as some days I don’t take him on his walk because he is having such a hard time getting moving
Our cats and dogs are like members of the family. We love them so much! It’s obvious that you love Charlie and you are so kind to take such loving care of him as he ages.
Good article, agree with everything written.
Dogs really are incredible teachers for so many aspects of life! Paying attention to how they go with the flow of aging is a great way for us humans to learn.
Nothing is forever 🙁 My dog recently died because of her age. She’s been with us for 10 years. I know that this time will come but we are not so ready.
This made me remember our sweet little fur baby that we lost last year. They definitely go through so much as they age and it would be nice to just make sure they have everything they need and that they know that they are loved and cared for.
aww you guys have an amazing relationship. so beautiful.
You are so blessed to have Charlie in your lives for fourteen years, and hopefully beyond. 🙂 How I wish my beloved Stalin lived for that long.
never quite thought of it all that way but it is all so right. Our dogs must know more than us or perhaps we put to much into wanting to be young again we dont learn how to be old
Charlie is an absolutely gorgeous dog, it sounds like you have such a special bond with him and I think it’s just lovely that he has taught you a thing or two along the way!
What a touching story about your beloved aging Charlie. I’m a dog lover too. We have shelties.
This is sweet and also so true! Charlie has given you some very good advice, it seems.
This is so amazing, love the way you have expressed it all. Great lessons, I can relate to almost all. Charlie is so adorable 🙂
Looks like you a special bond with Charlie and it is good to know that he taught something that might help you both in your everyday life and you are right we need to enjoy every moment because we only have a limited time living in this earth.