Praising older dogs

I recently buried my sister’s old Labrador retriever. Tucker was 12 years old when his failing body finally gave up. As we finished spreading the last bit of earth on his grave, we spoke fondly of Tucker and how he had come to fit so perfectly into her family’s lives. It occurred to me that it’s these latter years with our dogs that are often remembered as the sweetest of all. The frustrations of chewed table legs and puddles on carpets have long since faded, and all that remains are the cherished memories of a finished dog, secure in its place in your life and heart. The upside By the time dogs achieve senior status, the hours alone invested in them make them worth their weight in gold. Oh sure, they might lack some of the flash and dash of their former glory, but with maturity comes benefits that can only be acquired over time. Most serious hunters will tell you they’ve owned a one-in-a-million hunting dog that was a true master of the game. And I can almost guarantee you that the vast majority of those dogs achieved that status in their senior years. Truth is, there can be no greater pleasure than hunting with a veteran of the marsh or uplands. It’s a chance to reap the rewards of all your training, and to enjoy the companionship of a serious dog that has little interest in wasted efforts. The downside As dogs age they tend to require more time to both hunt and recover. Short hunts with a seasoned pro are particularly sweet. Little hunts twice a week are relaxing and enjoyable for all participants, while still allowing your senior dog’s body to recover. Another advantage to these short hunts is improved scenting. After a couple of hours traipsing up, over, and through the uplands, most senior dogs begin to lose their edge. They typically start breathing more heavily through their mouths, which causes them to miss valuable scent clues they would have picked up with their noses. Extended hours Depending on your dog, it will probably start to show signs of aging at around eight or nine. Arthritis and joint pain are the most common ailments for working dogs. But rather than game enders, these inevitable changes should be thought of as game changers. You can help your dog transition to old age by keeping it in