On occasion, I have difficulty falling asleep for my nap. It does not happen often, but it does happen. I then either read the newspaper or check into Facebook. On this occasion, I read a post about a lady that did a great kindness for her 15-year-old dog. The dog wanted to go to the park they had gone to many times, but she was not strong enough to run and play. She just sat in the sun enjoying the park, beautiful! When my dog Princess who is at the Rainbow Bridge, was 15 and not capable of going for long walk’s she looked so sad when I would take the younger dogs; I knew I had to do something. I borrowed a baby stroller, placed her in it, and took her for our 2-mile walk. She loved it! We did that for an entire year! I believe it added time to her life! Some people thought I was walking a baby and seemed a little surprised that it was my little Bichon. I miss her. Her paws are on my heart, along with every dog that has enhanced my life.
In our society, we do not seem to respect those that live to their “Golden years!” That is my impression, but it seems to be true. So many jokes about the elderly, dogs, people are easy targets. In some societies, the elderly are revered and respected. Why? Well, there is great wisdom that comes with age. In the case of humans, that wisdom will be shared when asked, but many have learned not to share unless invited. It often seems that the elderly are avoided; maybe it’s because we see ourselves in the reflection of age. When the older person or, in the case of our beloved pets, infirmity and illness set in, it often makes it challenging to take care of them. So, with humans, we often send them off to assisted care, a nursing home, or in the case of pets, we put them down if it gets too inconvenient.
I was blessed with the opportunity to have my Mom live out her last few years living in my home. Yes, it presented a lot of difficulties. I felt a responsibility to help her live her best life, and fortunately, my family was able to do that. She lived to be 94.
It is difficult to know when their suffering becomes unbearable to them with our pets. They cannot tell us how they feel. A veterinarian friend said to look at the eyes; they are in significant pain when the pupils stay very small. That may be a good sign for them to be evaluated in the office.
So, you may be or soon be dealing with an elderly family member, neighbor, or friend in need. I suggest that you evaluate the situation, determine how you can help if you have the time. One day you may be blessed to become old yourself. Being old should be a wonderful time in everyone’s life. Many memories, many experiences go with living many days. Consider helping their later life days to generate many more good memories. Sometimes a phone call, a coffee, and some conversations are all it takes. Being a Trekkie, I borrowed Spock’s Phrase’ “Live Long And Prosper!”
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – Joel, author of the book: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer!”joelmvernier@aol.com © Joel M. Vernier January 3, 2022
