Zion
Today was beautiful so Zion and I took the trail skirting the river to get away from urbanity. I wish I would have brought a camera as Zion tends to surprise me with his curiosity and actions. He was trying to take a drink from the river but the current created tiny waves on the shoreline; his head bobbed and ears perked at each one that hit his nose. He eventually took to digging holes in the sand, drinking the pools that formed at the bottom of each one. It wasn't long after when he found some sticks and chewed them apart. It was cute, what else can I say, he just makes me smile with his quarks?
It was a big thing for me to move him up here. Such a long distance and big change for an older dog, I wasn't all that sure it was the best of choices made. The move itself went well; Zion settled in pretty darn fast in my opinion. He has even taken to Jarett and some of our friends, a good sign and relief on my mind, but would it have been best for him to stay with my parents in PA? I guess I'll never know, I hope it was not a selfish decision to drag him along, having him here really helped me cope with some of my insecurities and kept me from completely falling apart at times. He really is man's best friend and I do what I can to return that love he's given me.
Though all the smiles he's granted me, the fear I hold for the dog right now is his longevity from here on out. Never was Zion that extreme energetic dalmatian, but ever since his accident and times of late, I've been noting the diminished levels and ability to keep going. He still gets perky at food, small creatures, and when we come in the door, but it doesn't last and then he is off to sleep or lay down again on a chair or carpet. It is painful to see that embarrassment on his face when he takes a spill, like today when he just couldn't lift his back-end up again after his haunches gave out on the trail. He is turning 13 this year and the age is finally showing- currently on medication and the impending need to up the dosage, I have worry with my abilities to help or ease him. The spark in his eyes is still there It's just the body that is telling him no. Right now things are okay, but there is noticeable fogging in his eyes, loss of rear muscling and energy, and tripping. I will keep doing what we can to make him comfortable, but when is enough enough?
I love my dog and like my horse, he is one of the only things I've truly connected with and share that special bond between us. The notion is probably silly to some, but seeing him age is emotionally stressful as I have been watching my buddy get to this point. My hopes are that he is happy and comfortable, I do my best and Jarett helps a ton, but truth be hold he is my dog and it is my responsibility to supply him with the life he deserves and the kindness he has bestowed upon me.
To my little guy sleeping so soundly in the sun, I dread the day I have to say goodbye.
It was a big thing for me to move him up here. Such a long distance and big change for an older dog, I wasn't all that sure it was the best of choices made. The move itself went well; Zion settled in pretty darn fast in my opinion. He has even taken to Jarett and some of our friends, a good sign and relief on my mind, but would it have been best for him to stay with my parents in PA? I guess I'll never know, I hope it was not a selfish decision to drag him along, having him here really helped me cope with some of my insecurities and kept me from completely falling apart at times. He really is man's best friend and I do what I can to return that love he's given me.
Though all the smiles he's granted me, the fear I hold for the dog right now is his longevity from here on out. Never was Zion that extreme energetic dalmatian, but ever since his accident and times of late, I've been noting the diminished levels and ability to keep going. He still gets perky at food, small creatures, and when we come in the door, but it doesn't last and then he is off to sleep or lay down again on a chair or carpet. It is painful to see that embarrassment on his face when he takes a spill, like today when he just couldn't lift his back-end up again after his haunches gave out on the trail. He is turning 13 this year and the age is finally showing- currently on medication and the impending need to up the dosage, I have worry with my abilities to help or ease him. The spark in his eyes is still there It's just the body that is telling him no. Right now things are okay, but there is noticeable fogging in his eyes, loss of rear muscling and energy, and tripping. I will keep doing what we can to make him comfortable, but when is enough enough?
I love my dog and like my horse, he is one of the only things I've truly connected with and share that special bond between us. The notion is probably silly to some, but seeing him age is emotionally stressful as I have been watching my buddy get to this point. My hopes are that he is happy and comfortable, I do my best and Jarett helps a ton, but truth be hold he is my dog and it is my responsibility to supply him with the life he deserves and the kindness he has bestowed upon me.
To my little guy sleeping so soundly in the sun, I dread the day I have to say goodbye.