PIVOTING WITH A SENIOR PUP – FEAR

By Wednesday, January 4, 2023 4 No tags Permalink

I am adjusting to the fact that I am now pivoting through life with a senior pup.

My plan is to –

  • adapt when necessary
  • swivel when required
  • and share what’s proven beneficial while living in Harley’s aging world 

#hisminiseries …

In the beginning of his senior years, Harley still looked like a puppy.

As our journey called aging continues – so will my occasional posts.

This time I shall shed my fur and be Doodle-ly honest about what’s happening to me, as Harley and I pivot through this thing together. PAWhaps it might help someone understand they are not alone, selfish, or crazy.

Harley is really the first dog I ever had, and I was in my 50’s when we first met. Clueless to every and ANYTHING dog – he, at the tender age of 9 weeks old, was just as ignorant to life in general.

So we entered this relationship like two virgins, learning together…

THE PAST 14 YEARS – 

have not been that different from any pet and pawrent relationship. We’ve learned together, disagreed on a few things, made up and laughed each and every day.

So when did my puppy become a senior dog?

I know this sounds like a silly question to ask myself – but the aging transformation seemed to occur overnight. Loving a white colored dog is a disadvantage as they age, there’s no graying of the muzzle area, no whitening at the tip of their ears. 

Yet, seems like he was a six year old pup one evening and the very next morning he was a senior dog…

All of a sudden he had difficulty standing up from a sitting position, walking on hardwood floors, going up and down the stairs, moments when he seemed to be in his own world staring at nothing.

SOMETIMES – 

I’m afraid.  Afraid when I see his back legs tremble as he stands up from a nap. Terrified when he misses that last step and crashes onto the floor.

I cannot tell you the number of nights I lay in bed watching him peacefully sleep snore, as the tears wet my pillow. I beg God to allow him to be here with me when the sun rises before I eventually close my eyes for the evening.

As I pivot through this season with a senior pup, I find myself praying for acceptance.  Acceptance for what’s happening – 

Dogs who at 13-15 years of age have officially entered old age. 

VetStreet

Harley’s canine numeric age is equivalent to that of a human between the age of 70-115.

TIME TO ACCEPT – 

that my beloved Harley is aging

Pivoting with a senior dog is foreign territory for me. I acknowledge that it’s happening, I see it, and I am working with it. But my heart has to teach itself to accept it. I refuse to allow my fear to control or override my ability to love each and every moment we’re together.

Right now I am blessed that my heart-dog still cuddles, romps on occasion,  is independent and has the ability to work my last nerve when he wants to. LOL #stubbornlikearock

The other week, Doodle Dad called me out about my fear of losing him. He accused me of being in denial. He was correct.  My buddy is getting older. It’s scaring the Doodle out of me and making me sad. 

MY WAYS TO COPE – 

is to retrain/remind myself to  – 

  • live in the moment
  • spend as much time together as possible
  • talk through those days that are harder then others
  • stop dwelling on the negative & laugh more
  • AND – practice gratitude

grat.i.tude – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness 

This (thus far) has helped me tremendously. If I start back sliding down the preverbal rabbit hole because I’ve noticed another decline or witnessed another stumble, I focus on gratitude for all this incredible creature has brought into my life…

 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 well. ❤️

Here are my other observations on Pivoting with a Senior Pup

4 Comments
  • Vicki Brumbelow
    January 5, 2023

    I’m with you. Watching Charlie Charizard “fade away” breaks my heart. But I stay close and make the necessary adjustments as needed. And then I pray everyday for a gentle passing.

  • Madison
    January 5, 2023

    Sadly two of my senior dogs passed suddenly before they really got senior problems. Katie was very senior and had so many mobility issues. It made me so sad but then I realized, it didn’t bother her at all, so why should I be upset? She would fall over on a walk, I’d help her up and we would keep going. She was not sad or ashamed, it was like whoops, let’s keep going. It wasn’t until the very end when she basically could no longer even make it out the door that I could tell it was a problem for her and that is when I had to accept it was her time, but watch Harley. Note that he probably isn’t bothered when he falls or other things happen, so don’t let it bother you. It is hard seeing them decline, but if they are still happy, we need to be happy with them 🙂

  • Tails Around the Ranch
    January 5, 2023

    Gratitude and love seem to be tandem emotions we experience as our pups reach the senior stage of life. I’m right there with ya, sistah…it’s so hard to witness yet I’m trying to consider it a privilege that I’ve shared this mortal world with my fur pal. Sending gentle thoughts your way.

  • Margaret Manos
    January 9, 2023

    Thank you for sharing Harley and your thoughts. It helps us all to hear. ❤️
    It’s the heartbreak of dogs, but as you already know, the amount of joy they give helps tremendously.
    Love to you and Harley. Two sweethearts.