03/01/2026
STOP and ROLL
How walks have changed with my senior dog 🐕
Tubby is only my second dog, my first not making it to her senior year's, so I've never experienced a full dogs life within mine.
Instead of everyday, or every other day visits to the park in the winter, we need to take time off in between to let Tubby rest and ensure he's not too lame. So our trips have slowed in number and length.
I no longer plan hours aside to jog and walk, I keep track of how far we have gone and ensure he can make it back to the car. I let him lead, set the pace, and stop to allow his many stops and smells, even if its to lay in the snow for a roll.
I carry a sheet with me incase he cant walk, as its the only thought I had if his 115 lb body collapses on me. Long gone are the days I could barely tire him out.
I ensure not to take many stops on the way home, before his body locks up and he has a hard time getting out of the car.
Many changes have passed, I worry about my wasteline because I cant get the miles in on our hikes like we use to, but I have no desire to go walking without him.
I think of him first and I try and plan an easy flat walk, and stop for lunch a little early so he can have a break so he can enjoy water and a good bone.
Many things have changed, but I wouldn't ask for anything different because he deserves the happiest dog days until its time for him to move on.
He's given me countless days of companionship through the hills of Letchworth, on all our adventures, covering all 77 trails multiple times.
He waited on me through my chemo days, when I ran out of breath easily, he ran through mud and snow on my days I was strong and healthy. He sat by my side when I could only sit and weep for the loss of my father, so he deserves my devotion in his time.
I cherish the remainder of his time that I have with my good friend and only hope if left in my hands, I can think with my head and not my heart, when its time for him to leave, but hope I will not need to make that decision.
I tell him in a few more months we will go to camp Tubby! The long days taking multiple walks around the campground, building our muscles and loosing our winter pounds. His visits to each of the neighbors where he is cherished and given bones, treats and water with ice cubes. Hot summers standing in the creek to cool off, nights around the fire with lots of belly rubs and soft grass to nap on in the shade.
How lucky are we to have these special moments through our dogs entire life, to see them from puppies to seniors, to receive and give the love they deserve as a true companion, this animal that I call my friend.
What a wonderful love ❤️
