Old Dogs Don’t Need to Do Tricks
Hudson, a little gray around the edges...
“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit us well.”
– Bonnie Wilcox
Anyone who has owned a dog into old age knows a secret that others don’t – old dogs are best. There’s no other time in a dog’s life that is as sweet. Even puppies can’t compete with the character and worth of an old dog. Old dogs are loyal. They have gumption, lack self consciousness, and have the wisdom of a dog who has given up chasing his tail.
Dogs have a come long since they were killed at young ages to accompany their master into the otherworld in ancient Egypt. Today, not only do they rule the roost, they live longer than ever. The world’s oldest ever official dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. He died at age 29 in 1939, aged 29 years and five months.
Several factors contribute to a dog’s years. Different breeds have different life spans. The Parson’s Terrier, the Miniature Poodle and the Whippet can expect to be around for thirteen years or so. The Bull Mastiff, the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are sometimes limited to ten years. Obviously, size plays a role with an exception – the hardy Chow can average fourteen years. Perhaps those years of serving as a delicatessen to emperors toughened their immune system.
Spaying and neutering a dog offers health advantages that can increase a life spans. For both female and male, cancers of the reproductive system are lowered. But females have an added benefit just for being female – they live an average of one-and-a-half years longer than male dogs.
Inbreeding shortens life spans. Often, a mutt, will be generally healthier and longer lasting than a purebred. Nutrition is key and with the choices we have today, it’s no wonder dogs live so long. And, of course, healthcare is phenomenal right now. Preventative care includes vaccines, heartworm pills, yearly vet visits where your dog is checked for lumps, swollen glands and anything unusual, and bloodwork. Even brushing your dog’s teeth adds to their health.
But with so many choices of healthcare, it can get daunting. It can be tough because you can’t explain to a dog that the treatment is for their own good. Our dog, Manny, was diagnosed with stomach cancer during an operation. She went to her own oncologist, who gave us our options which included chemotherapy and radiation. We chose to be rather non-invasive with treatment but, even so, she got an extra Good year out of life.
But, even with the increased years our dogs are getting, it isn’t enough for us dog owners. If you’ve ever had to put a pet to sleep, you know what an excrutiating choice it is. Still, it can be far more selfish to keep a dog alive for our pleasure than to give the gift of peace.
Today, we are so lucky to have an industry that caters to bereaved pet owners. There are urns we can get to keep our pets close by, granite memorials, even a “personalized tears stone” (www.inthecompanyofdogs.com). There are print cards for pet loss and electronic cards to send to the bereaved (http://www.sloppykisscards.com/thinking-of-you-ecards.php).
Old dogs have stinky breath and they sleep way past the alarm clock.They snore, and the bedroom they share with you often now has an officious odor. Sometimes they wear diapers. The dog who used to eat poop now demands Prosciutto. But if you have to carry an eighty pound Am Staff with a distinguished white face up and down the stairs now, it’s worth it. Afterall, he devoted his life to you.
