Good morning, it’s dark and I’m up early again with Elsa. As I sit in my livingroom looking at the Christmas tree, I thought I’d get my laptop out and write. Sitting on the couch in the dark, I realized that I haven’t blogged since July. What? How is time going so fast? Well, here I sit at nearly 4 am because Elsa has diarrhea. Not sure what has caused this but at 13.5 it doesn’t take much to get it started.
Elsa turned 13 this July. It was a monumental moment as we weren’t sure that she would make it to 13. If you haven’t followed us for a while; Elsa had a spinal stroke in February 2020. I have written about it quite a bit, but here is the first entry on the subject. This coming February will mark 5 years after her stroke. She’s come a long way and has been a warrior of a girl.
At 13.5 years of age now, and having suffered a spinal stroke nearly 5 years ago, she is deep into being a senior. Her body has aged more quickly than it should have, because of the stroke; and she has had to deal with uti’s for several years; due to incorrect anatomy. This is something we are constantly working with and have got a pretty good routine down to keep them at bay.
Having a senior dog is both a challenge and a gift. One that many don’t get to experience. Far too many dogs are lost before they get the chance to age. And like us, aging is not for the faint of heart. Old dogs have to deal with a lot; and they hopefully are in a home where there are patient humans. Taking care of an old dog requires a lot of patience. And, unfortunately many humans don’t have the patience and understanding to care for an old dog. This is why so many senior canines end up at shelters. Dumping an old dog at a shelter or ending their life because of inconvenience is dispicable act.
It’s not easy to jump out of bed before 4 am and rush Elsa outside. First she needs to get her sling on to help her down the stairs. Grab the flashlight and go out to see exactly what’s going on. Then come in, get back in bed, comfy and then do it again and again. But there I was this morning, out in the dark at 4 am, freezing my feet off while I wiped her Majesty’s butt. :) There will be pumpkin on the menu later today.
These days bring back memories of dealing with dementia and incontinence with our little Jack Russell, Jessie. Our beautiful old girl Tilley, who dealt with Vestibular and incontinence. We’ve been here many times before and it is a challenge. In these moments in the dark; watching and hoping that Elsa will relax and fall back to sleep; I am very happy that I don’t also have a puppy. I’ve thought about it but pictured myself slinging Elsa down the stairs while trying to get a puppy house trained. No, my full attention is required for Elsa and of course Mr. Riggs.
I’m going to pour myself a second cup of joe and probably have a nap this afternoon along with my girl. Elsa sleeps a lot these days; far more than I remember my older dogs did. The stroke most definitely took a toll on her body; but when I see her in a deep and very content sleep, it makes me smile. Old dogs deserve patience, love, care, understanding and more. This is when we have to dig deep and muster all the patience that we have to give back.
When we sit and remember; remember those first moments when you met your dog as a puppy. Remember the feeling? Remember the challenges and fun of raising a puppy? Remember when they grew up and the two of you were inseparable? Going on adventures and building your relationship? These are special moments when it is our turn to give without taking anything. It is the little things that matter; especially when you have an old dog.
Remember those moments. These moments with an old dog will become lasting memories; and remember this, we are all going the same way.