Harley and I have arrived at what I’ve decided to call his Senior Dog Season.

November 25th we not only celebrated Thanksgiving – we also toasted his thirteenth Bark-Day! And even thought he’s in great shape, I now recognize signs indicating he could use some assistance…

So often people comment on his youthful looks. I agree he still looks years younger, but I think it’s due to the fact that it’s hard to see gray hair on a white dog!…

I’ve written before about our eight month pandemic furlough and how it created much confusion for us as a therapy team. It was difficult to explain to the Boys (as smart as I think they are) why our world came to such an immediate halt. 

The toll of those eight months affected Harley the most. It was like watching someone (forced to retire) age faster, right in front of my eyes. While his zest for life is still there, it seems as if his mobility needs a little intervention.

WAIT FOR ME –

It started with the stairs, I began to notice after running down the first set of stairs he would loose his balance on each landing. His ability to get up from a prone position on our hardwood floors make it painful to watch. He struggles with what can be called splay legging.

There are various reasons some dogs (especially senior dogs) struggle with their ability to stand or standup. Out of concern I had a discussion with his healthcare provider (aka Doodle Doc) and then of course it was a subject for episode 20 on our podcast. 

Harley doesn’t have a specific diagnosis for slip sliding around the house. He’s older and perhaps his hips/joints aren’t quite what they once were. At the vet’s suggestion, I added a joint supplement to his diet. I immediately started him on Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews, (120 tablets for $36.00), ordered rug runners for the floors and went on a serious hunt for indoor booties to give him more stability when we’re in the house.

Holy Hannah – Who knew finding the right indoor socks would be a full-time J.O.B.?

2 MANY 2 CHOOSE – 

Talk about falling down a rabbit hole, so many different versions, styles and options. It took hours just to navigate through the plethora of booties, socks, and disposable stick on pads to choose from!

First I had to weed through the pages of outdoor shoes. Outside Harley is fine, runs like a gazelle.

I need something designed for –

• indoors – specifically hardwood floors
• a loose and comfy fit – nothing that was going to strangle his tiny ankles
• traction already constructed to the bottom of the sock

My first purchase turned out to be a colossal waste of money. Their sizing was off the charts by large margins. There was entirely too much rubber on the bottom which made the natural heat from his feet intensify. #stinkypaws AND… we looked like Ali & Frazier back for yet another rematch every time I tried to put them on. #twelverounds 

AND THE WINNER IS….

Based on several days and one whole bottle of a beautifully blended Shiraz – I have purchased the Expawlorer …

And here’s why.

It’s – 

• reasonably priced ($18.99 for a 4-count in the medium size) 
• received positive reviews from Pet Parents with similar issues and senior dogs
• designed with traction control on BOTH sides of the sock so when the damn things start twisting around, he’ll be covered completely #thatrightthereishuge

They are scheduled to arrive in two days – 

As Harley and I continue this Senior Dog Season journey, I want to make sure I can keep up with the changes he will experience. It’s important that I learn how to interpret what he’s thinking to help me better understand how to give him the happy life he so richly deserves. 

Don’t you agree?

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 oh so well ❤️

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