Becoming senior

[Jo Ellen]

Daisy is approaching her senior years. I can't believe I'm saying that, it seems like just yesterday she was just a puppy.

She doesn't have the endurance she used to. We walked a little over a mile today and I could tell she was ready to stop when we got home. Granted we did several hills but hard to deny she's slowing down. And when I was walking behind her, I could see white forming around her eyes. Unmistakable now.

She's not a senior yet, maybe another year or two. She's 6. But it is around the corner.

Alot of history here. I'm hoping for alot more. All of it is a gift paw

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

You're smart to treasure every second.

When Reyna went to the bridge so suddenly at age 7, we were totally unprepared. I was looking forward to having her companionship long into her old age, but that opportunity was taken from me.

Daisy is one very lucky dog, and I am positive she understands she's got a very special mom.

[Janet]

Jo Elllen, Daisy is so lucky to have you and I know that you treasure every day with her. Keep looking forward to more wonderful times and memories with Daisy and take lots of pictures (and share them with us). Here's hoping that Daisy lives to be a ripe old age and to many more fishing expeditions with Mom. :003
Janet

[Jo Ellen]

I just PM'd you Janet.

Daisy is a lucky dog .... when all is said and done I will be able to honestly say that she was cared for, protected and loved every day of her life. And then some. I'm sure she doesn't know just how lucky she is, she has nothing to compare to .... but I'm good with that :)

:003

[JanF]

I'm no expert,I've had one Golden in my life, who is currently almost 13 (Feb. 20),and she easily does 1 to 1 1/2 miles every day. 6 is pretty young,could there be some medical reason? Ginger didn't slow down at all until about age 10.

[Jo Ellen]

Yes, she does have a joint issue and probably some arthritis. She's seeing a vet for it, it gets worse in the winter when it's cold. I sincerely hope no medical reason beyond that.

But still, she is slowing down. And getting more white around the face.

Maybe some goldens age more quickly than others?

She did have a puppy frap the other night in my son's room .... which was a sight to behold since there's barely any room in there to maneuver jump2

[Janet]

There is something about the white showing up on their faces that makes them ever more endearingin a very special way. Makes you a little sad though as it reminds you of how quickly they age.

I loved your idea about a rescue dog some day. I too have said that next one would be a resuce of a mature Golden. Like you, I hope this doesn't become a reality for many many years. We love our dogs so much the thought of losing them is a reality check ...and the white face , well...sort of reminds us to respect our elders :)

[Tom]

I think that we all find that there's something special and endearing in every age bracket. Puppy fur in the earliest times; youthful vigor, mischieviousness, and playfulness in their teen years; and mature gentleness and faithfulness in their "golden" years. To tell the truth, I love every bit of the journey....

[JsMom]

Keep her slim Jo Ellen - I know easier said than done but watch the treats.

Jake was free-fed - was 65lbs. at his heaviest and walked until the day he died - (albeit needed help getting up his last 6-12 months). He was one of those Goldens that got slimmer the older he got but the Vet said it was a good thing due to his arthritus and hip issues.

The greying is heriditary - not much you can do there.

Sorry - 6 is NOT old in my book! She's still a young pupper grey or not! Please give her a snuggle for me! :D

[Jo Ellen]

I know she's not old :D But I know she's not exactly young anymore either. I think the white around her face is really emphasizing that for me now .... puppy days are gone. A few more years and she definitely will be senior.

I do watch her weight. It is a constant struggle but we're doing okay. I know it's critical for dealing with joint issues. She's doing alot better since she lost the weight she was carrying last year.

I just know she's closer to senior now than she is to when she was a puppy. You're right, Tom ... just another stop along the journey and all of it is wonderful. I enjoy her now more than ever, it all builds on itself to make one great big beautiful life :) :grwag

[ash]

When my Cindal started getting up in age 7 or 8 I started going to the Health Food store and buying Glucosamine and giving her 1 everyday to upkeep her joints and muscels spelling? I know you can also get it from the vet but its more expensive. Anyways she did alot better on them. We lost her about a month ago she was 12.5 years old but Glucosamine did her good for a long time. Just an idea.

Ash

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

My vet suggested glucosamine/chondroitin combination for Reyna, and it slowed down the progression of hip problems. I bought the equine powder because it was significantly less expensive than the canine pills. I gave 1/3 scoop in the morning, and 2/3 scoops in the evening -- sprinkling it over her meals.

I've used glucosamine/chondroitin as well for knee pain (after Brandy plowed into me and I broke both knee caps). It's amazing how fast and well it works.

[Jo Ellen]

It wasn't her age that was slowing her down. It was an ACL injury. In retrospect, I should not have been walking her at all :o But it only took one wrong step ....I believe it was inevitable.

So she's not old. She's just wounded.

[Duke's Mom]

Okay, listen, JoEllen - please don't beat yourself up over this. It wasn't the walking - not really. It maybe just made it happen sooner. One mile is not much unless you were going 65 mph ;) . You'll be doing little 5 minute walks about 4-5 times a day for a while (which is about potty break times, honestly).

I do wish you were home now - I keep looking to see. I can't remember when you're supposed to be home (it's the new med - one of the side effects is short term memory loss) sorry.

In restrospect, I now remember seeing Duke limping and actually lying down during our walks, but did I stop? NO. Do I wished I would have? YES. But, again, I don't think it would have stopped the inevitable. Just prolonged it.

Give her a big wet smooch right on her nose from me and one right on her lips from Duke.

[Jo Ellen]

I think the world of you Duke's Mom :hug1 :kiss1 :hug1