My Pet's Name
Kaalu (meaning Blackie, he's a black Lab you know)
My Pet's Age
8 years
How Long We Have Been (or Were) Together
one month (died of some nervous disease - distemper, I think)
Tell Us About Your Senior Pet
He was a black Lab, of a distant friend's grandfather.
Guess what, the grandpa died and the dog suddenly was ownerless- without his special person.
Normally the immediate family takes care, but as much as I knew of that family - they are only concerned when they see a benefit for themselves, and this old aging dog held little for them - I knew that. We took him in.
HE was bulky, didn't know how to fetch a ball, but was adorable. I taught him how to chase me and run away with a paper ball. It was satisfying.
Then distemper hit, and no expense was spared, but still he died, peacefully, in our home.
Other Pets
Yeah, we have four other pets.
As any owner of more than three dogs would know, it's difficult for many dogs to go along - ego issues etc. We keep the warring ones separately, taking care they do not come in contact.
And age of the dogs also matters - young ones can play along with any one - no quarrels, no fights; while the youth and mature can't stand each other at times.
In fact I had a black Lab and a mongrel. They were adopted at the same time and were of same age. They used to accommodate each other when young, but after some time, were ready to rip each other at the sight. Natural, I think?
Advice
- Don't get upset if they lay around all day. Old age does things to men, they are still dogs.
- Give them more leeway to make mistakes like peeing at some wrong place, if you can?
- They love patting, especially if you are adopting one, for a dog, change of master could be devastating emotionally.
- They still love to play - I taught my senior pet some games, like letting me chase him for a paper ball.
- And finally, let him leave in peace when time comes - nothing is more blissful to a dying animal than a human's heartfelt pat on head - bidding them "see you soon"....death is something we cannot fight, ultimately.
