Loving my Oldies

I reckon it is the luck of the draw. Honestly I do. Of course if an animal or person gets sick and then looks into diet, exercise, yoga, whatever, that can change things. But in terms of why some people/animals live long lives is pure luck and a helping of good genes.

The thought of Ronin in a handbag has me smiling through my tears, this morning.

Kirty, you sure know how to get yourself into "situations". :) Often the way with very loving people. As Stressmagnet says - ease into it. In fact, I know I am going agaist the consensus here, but I would be inclined to hold off a little on the lunge and bite at your daughter. Leave that until the rest has sunk in and your friend has some idea of her dog's stress levels. It sounds as though she might be in a bit of denial about how her behaviour impacts her dog. Good luck. You must have been horrified when the dog bit your daughter and I am so glad it wasn't worse. Poor dog. A full on distressed dog whose behaviour is erratic because of it is a very sad thing to see.

Oh gawd!!! Luckily dirt seems to just fall off those coats. :rofl:

Thanks Yonjuro. I've been out for a couple of hours and I did consider taking Danny with me, but felt he would be better off left at home where he would just sleep. When I came back, he was like a spring chicken again: literally leaping around me and as happy as could be. I'd refreshed my supplies of roo jerky and so gave them all a piece and he wolfed it down. So obviously feeling better than this morning. Cup of tea and a cake for me. :o

Bit of an update. We struggle on, but I am beginning to wonder what I am doing. For about the past three weeks, not a day has gone by that Danny hasn't thrown up three to four times. I have gone back to keeping a daily record, because I tried cutting back on the number of times I gave him his medications to give him a bit of relief, but that didn't seem to make any difference. Sometimes his body language is enough to make me want to slit my wrists, but then something happens and up goes the tail, off to the front door or down the back to investigate and he will come prancing back like a two year old. And then the tail sinks, he half turns his body away from me and absolutely epitomises the expression "hang dog look". He still wants to come for a walk most days - if he doesn't want to, he won't come to the side gate from where we leave. And, something totally new, when we are out walking, he often prances on ahead. He used to absolutely stick to my side whenever he wasn't sniffing or peeing. He keeps looking back to check I am there and will do the old circle around behind me and then off to the front again. All the dogs are now happily curled up in their beds in the lounge, but as soon as I move (computer on the dining room table), he will get up and follow me. So I am sure one of the problems is that he exhausts himself. Just having a little bit of "poor Danny - poor me" session. I don't think there are any solutions, but if someone can recommend a good "gut" specialist (NOT SASH), I would welcome the information. I keep going back to my vet, but he no longer has any suggestions or ideas.

As much as I am loath to admit it because I do know how agism is alive and well in all corners, I am nearly 70 and cannot see what age has got to do with it. It annoys me when people play on it to get sympathy or special treatment. All my dogs are elderly and there is no way on earth that I would allow them to suffer because "I couldn't or wouldn't see it." I estimate that my dogs and Gussy Cat will all start crossing the bridge during the next 5 to 7 years and when that has happened, if I am still around, I don't plan on being dogless. I will be a foster carer for the oldies. :D :D Having heaved that off my chest, my thoughts are with you Kiska, Darien.

Admittedly, my walk is more of a slow plod with 4 elderlies and I wear my gardening shoes (Sloggers) with socks. They are backless so I don't think they'd be any good if your walk was more of a run and play. But you can get full shoes in the same brand. I love mine as they just sit on the deck and I can slip them on easily and go ...... and arrive home with dry feet. Or maybe even ankle height wellies. Some time ago when I went to Tasmania I bought a pair of Rockport XCS and they were brilliant. Even after walking through snow and very wet undergrowth, my feet would still be dry and warm. I used to wear them in winter when I was a volunteer dog walker at a pound. Great shoes which show absolutely no signs of wear on the soles.

What does GOT mean. I need some edumacation today.

No idea ...... bog ugly :eek:

OMG - I hope that is a "before" photographs and they have cleaned her up since. Why to people not clean up a poor little dog immediately? :mad

:whip: Get cracking then :laugh: :laugh:

4 elderly dogs, 1 elderly cat and one very elderly human make up this household. My "puppy" is 11 and a half I hope this thread is shared and spread far and wide to give the Saturday Seniors more chances. The homes are there, they just need to be found. :)

While I love all the photos and stories, I have to admit that photos and stories of Princess Turdburger set me up for the day.

Rainy Day Rescue appeared in my News Feed a while ago and I have to admit that it is one of my favourites. Mrs Rainy Day sounds quite an extraordinary character (and her comments often leave me scratching my head :laugh: :laugh: ) and I read her comments and stories about the dogs with great pleasure and sympathy.

Mill (as in till) a Shame we don't learn phonetics these days. Explains all pronunciations.

that was brilliant !! Loved it.

She is beautiful, brightstar, and so are you :thumbsup: Don't be in too big a hurry to rehome her, she has been through such a lot. FWIW :laugh: :laugh: , I like Milla too.

And looking soulful.

So good to hear positive happy stories. A very diverse household :thumbsup: People walked past my house the other day (I was out the front gardening) with a Keeshound puppy. Lovely good natured little dog.

Ha ha ha - people can forget that it doesn't matter how small they are, they are still dogs. Lovely story. Go COMET !! It is worse when they are small and old !! All your balancing techniques will be called into play. :laugh: :laugh:

They are looking great, Canetoad. How is Jonah healing? Must be doing well as he is out of his chariot.

Oh, beautiful boys, Valbitz. Love Davey (couldn't help myself - had to change his name).

I really shouldn't look at this thread. I am at the computer in my study, surrounded by all the elderlies (except Jeune who is playing Greta Garbo on the deck) and having a massive internal fight. :(

And an extraordinary determination. This story highlights the many times I wish dogs could talk to us and tell us why they are doing something.