A puppy runs into the clinic, jumps with quick and uncoordinated movements to lick my face, then falls on its side and turns its belly out to scratch. I can still see that image when a patient with a gray muzzle, who has grown to over ten years old, walks in solidly. He wags his tail restrainedly, leans in for a pat…
They are wonderful, I think. You will neither surprise nor scare them, those all-seeing, understanding eyes, calm, tolerance, waning energy.
The look of the people who brought such patients is no less understanding. And it is completely independent of whether they scream loudly that he is not old yet and the old dog lived for 19 years, or immediately share their anxiety and hope to extend his life as much as possible. In all cases, there is a fear of transience, dogs are so short-lived compared to people, and such a deep connection is created that it is terrifying to think that they will have to let go. And it doesn't matter if it is 10 or 16 years, it will still be too little.
They are amazing, they forgive everything and accept so much, most importantly, their owner in any state, sad, happy, screaming, crying, petting and ignoring, you are always the WHOLE WORLD to them! Those dogs have seen your growing children, grandchildren, and new animals brought home, they have spent your vacations alone and traveled by car for a long time, even though they only wanted to "read text messages" left on a pole by another dog.
It seems like you can't remember life without them, and you don't even want to imagine what it would be like. Many people try to adjust to it and get used to the idea, but I haven't seen anyone succeed yet. Especially me.
Have you noticed that you can't fool them or trick them? They scan and analyze all the details in a microsecond and know exactly what their owner will do next. I find this fascinating, although I won't hide it, I still try to trick them optimistically sometimes, unfortunately... True, this "clairvoyance" doesn't even have to be ten years old, a common four-legged friend can see their owner as if they were skinned alive by the age of three. And even puppies a few months old can find weak links in the family.
But let's get back to the owners. The most common phrase is "we understand that it's old, but maybe we could still help with something", at that moment I feel so good and understand that we are talking about the same thing. I find out what discomfort and what organ problems the animal is facing and find the most suitable option for the dog and the owner to improve the quality of life. Of course, most large breed dogs suffer from joint problems, small ones from heart, teeth or liver problems. Almost all older dogs have less shiny fur, are more difficult to comb, and have skin problems, so you definitely won't be able to help them with salmon oil or skin supplements.
Dogs are also amazing in that they adapt very quickly to a variety of health problems and disabilities, whether it's blindness or the removal of a limb.
Unfortunately, helping is not always simple and easy… When an older animal enters the clinic, cancer is always included in the list of differential diseases. There are moments, very sad, when the only help is euthanasia. And no, in my opinion, it is not love to keep an animal in suffering, but to keep it alive. Lymphoma or other types of cancer, where tumor removal is impossible or the stage is too advanced, is that painful place where hearts break, but we are helpless.
Understanding that transience, we want to ensure the coziest and most comfortable old age possible. A soft bed, quality food and supplements, warm clothes for the winter. Things that everyone deserves. Most of the time, long hikes and training lessons are already a thing of the past. What remains are cozy cuddles and falls on the couch with the whole family.
I always look at the older dogs I walk and a smile immediately appears on my face. That journey of a dog and its human is amazing with all the experiences. I feel great value in being able to be a part of it and experience it together. To appreciate and love. Every day. Because you never know which day is the last.