Just yesterday, while training a new team member, I shared how caring for Senior dogs is actually one of my most unexpected, favorite parts to this job. While many team members fawn over the new puppy assignments, I personally find it more rewarding to care for the sometimes very special needs of an older pet. As I've had more experience with the cruelty of old age among dogs: lame back legs; incontinence; difficulty walking or standing; I've become far less fearful of caring for them. I realize that some days, you may walk into a home worried your friend won't wake up, but that's all the more reason to be there when their family can't. I find myself spending extra time and taking extra special care to just make the guy more comfortable and give him exactly what he wants; whether it's a short stroll down the street, or an extra cookie or two.
Today I learned that we lost one of our personal favorite Senior dogs and my heart is admittedly, very sad. Otto was a bright-eyed, tenacious yellow lab belonging to our good friends and happen-to-be neighbors. Otto was a product of the modern American couple: the "His" contribution to a blended family of Sara & Neil and their two dogs, Otto and Abbey. As the family grew to also include a baby this year, Otto remained his patient, gentle and loving self. We helped walk him and his sister and though most days he could only muster a short trot down to the corner and back, Otto wouldn't think of letting you leave him behind.
As older age continued to strip Otto of some of his basic abilities in the past months and years, the thing he never lost was the brightness in his eyes and excitement to see people. Jet black marbles with thick black eyelids, giving him an unforgettably flirtatious and youthful puppy face. We grieve for our friends today but remain hopeful that Otto is now comfortable and happy waiting for his family at the Rainbow Bridge. We love you, buddy.
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