Geriatric canines... in Pet Entries

Our two oldest dogs are Dingo (15), a brindle terrier mix, and Sophia (14) a Mini Schnauzer. Both are generally healthy, but have the usual age-related conditions - loss of vision and hearing, and some dementia. Sophia, especially, is at the point where you have to go and nudge her awake when she is sleeping. All the calling or noise in the world will not rouse her. Obviously, her days as a watchdog are long over.

Dingo has her exceptionally spry days when she bounces around like a puppy. Usually these are followed by a day of obvious stiffness and discomfort. But she bounces right back, and her appetite never diminishes.

Our pet-sitter is always afraid that one or the other will decide to expire on her watch. We always tell her that it wouldn't come as a shock, and we would just have her put the body on ice until we return from our travels. And in the event of a serious loss of quality of life, we have the vet available to take a verbal order for euthanasia.

The two have been segregated to a separate room so the rambunctious natures of the younger dogs doesn't disturb them. You can't blame them for being less tolerant and not wanting to be playfully pounced upon by a 3 year old Labrador. When we have them all playing outside, it's amusing to see them sitting on the sidelines, watching as the others fetch the ball or Kong toys we're throwing. It's almost as if they are reminiscing about their days of play.