She is groaning a lot these days. She doesn't stay "up" for very long, and when she lays down, a low grumbling moan escapes her maw. Serge and I cluck and soothe her. When we go for walks, she starts stumbling after a couple of blocks, but she just ignores that her limbs are failing her and can't believe it when I turn around to go home. Already!? she thinks and then sneaks glares at me, even as she stumbles more and more, her back legs giving out under her. When we get home, she waits at the bottom of the 7 step entry and then presents herself for carrying up the stairs. Gosh my heart breaks with love when she does that.I've been giving her these chew rawhide chips lately. She doesn't go for the rawhide bones now, it's too difficult for her and she loses interest. But these chew strips last her an hour, she gets a good tooth workout, and she loves them. She does the funniest thing (always has) when she gets a new chew treat. First she seizes it, quivering with excitement, and runs off to her designated chew area (which she has decided upon, not us) and then looks back at me, tail wagging and wild eyed look. She wants me to chase her. It's as if the toy's value increases when coveted by others. If I don't chase her a bit, she will whimper at the chew toy. We used to think she was whimpering with joy, but now I think that she needs to be chased before it can be eaten. Sometimes she'll come to wherever we are and toss it into the air repeatedly until we, yes you guessed it, chase her. It really is cute.
23 comments:
Although she has become feeble and old, you guys continue to make Sara's life enjoyable, and she gives unconditional doggie love in return. Sweet.
Oh, Sara is such a lover! Treasure her!
Dogs have the most curious and amusing "culture" (such as "the chip is better if you chase me for it"). We've discovered the same things with our princess and previous dogs. And for every "chase scene" we are repaid with love over and over.
Yep. Mushy dog post. And very effective, I might add. I completey understand it - your Sara is what my Jessie was. I love hearing how dedicated you are to her.
As your pets get older your feelings don't get weary, they deepen and saturate you and, I have to say it, cannot prepare you for the inevitable.
J.M.G made me laugh. Now you've made me cry.
Laughing or crying
you know
it's the same release...
I wish dogs lived longer lives. They become such an important part of your family and I hate seeing them age.
Cute though.
What a good Doggie! Yes she is so sweeet! Her food tastes so much better when coveted by others. Such a human trait. My doggie Tammy the Dachsund used to smile and frown and show several emotins on her face. She has been gone over ten years yet I still can see her smiling face.
I can hear your voice saying "aw..." to her.
She's a beautiful gentle creature. She got lucky when you took her home.
You've made me cry. "A squeezed sponge" ... that's it exactly! The heart contracts and can hardly contain all the love. Those sodden moments of a sweetness that is almost a kind of pain. I know these feelings through my Molly and now my children. It's pure love.
oh don't even get me started on puppy love. you've read enough of my blathering on and on about indi to know how much i get this.
i truly believe that animals help us learn aspects of love that we can't learn in any other way.
Dogs are the best. How could one not love something so willing to love you unconditionally?
Makes me remember how our dog was as she aged. Much the same way. Still was trying to go running in the back yard, even though she really couldn't. And still wanted to play tug of war with some of her toys, although she tired out very quickly doing so.
It was rough when we had to put her down, but it was the best for her. She was deaf, had trouble seeing sometimes, couldn't jump up on the couch anymore, was having accidents inside the house, and then her kidneys started failing.
Enjoy every moment with her that you can!
HUGS...
It's so sweet how the older a dog gets the more they want to please their owner no matter what ailments they may have. It seems to be their sole purpose in life.
You know what I said about Sara's spiritual stature before. I just wanted to say that I was never kidding about her. Such a pure and loving soul.
what a sweet post and a sweeter puppy!
sara has such a beautiful face. when i think about sharing my life with my dog, and then the way you describe yourself with sara, i am always amazed that a human and a cannine exist and interact with such love and admiration for each other. i teasure my ime with my dog and i'm glad that you do with yours too.(btw, my abner is streached out on the couch next to me with my elbow on top of his head as i type)
I laughed at your comment about if you had children your heart would just burst, because I think that way about having a dog. I have a crotchety neurotic cat and I LOVE that thing to bits. I can't imagine what it would be like to love a little creature that actually loved me back. :) Sara is lovely. Although it is hard not to track the time (I know, Maggie is 11) just enjoy the moments now. From the sounds of it, Sara's already in heaven with the family she's been given.
Hi from the other side of the country. I just thought I would let you know I recently found your blog and am really enjoying your writing. You have such a great narrative flow.
ChristopherVancouver
Awwwwwww. I heart mushy dog posts!
Damn, I love that dog!
Aw, just add me to another reader who was touched by this post.
i love my pooch too! and cant imagine what you are going through. my thoughts are with you and sara.
{{{Sara}}} I know just how you feel, I feel the same way for my dog. If I had kids I don't think I could handle the joys, like you my heart would burst. Just today I was watching Dances with Wolves for the umpteenth time, the part where the wolf gets me to my core, I always cry like a baby and reach for my doggie.
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