Dogs in Mourning. How Will We Manage When it is Our Turn?

by Tanner and Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
How Will We Manage?

Not to be morbid or anything, but Dr. Pat's post on All Things Dog Blog today got us to thinking. Our packmate, Xena, is getting on in years. We see it in her gray muzzle, her slower walking pace, and her longer naps.

Mom even gives her a few chances to break the rules here and there, probably cuz she's just getting older.  She's been talking with Dr. Pat about these things, and it's hard to ignore the facts.

Mom tells us that everything will be okay, no matter what happens, because she will always be there for us--to be strong, keep us active, and keep our minds busy. She says that's the trick--keeping us busy until we get through it. In a roundabout way, that's sorta what Dr. Pat says too.

For now, Xena is still a happy girl, even though she is slower. We enjoy her even as she barks louder because her ears are not so good, and when she has trouble finding the right spot outside at night, because her eyes don't work like they used to.

As mom often says to Xena, "It's okay, Xena. Take your time.   That's what retirement is all about--slowing down and enjoy your rocking chair days."