I watched a touching video today where a family shared their memories of their two cocker spaniels. I felt moved by being able to share in these moments, but also saddened because it made me think about my own dogs and the heart break I still feel over the loss of Churchill my French Bulldog who left us last summer after 12 wonderful years. Inspired by the video I saw and swimming in my own memories, I decided to create my own tribute to honour Churchill and the love that he and Mackenzie (my Pug) shared.
This video shares with you some special moments I was fortunate to have had with my boys. It will never be the same without Churchill, but I feel comfort in knowing that his memories will carry on and I am able to share some of them with you in this video.
Finally a vehicle that Mackenzie our 13 year old can get in and out of with ease. As with most aging dogs getting anywhere with ease becomes harder as they get older. Their bones are frailer and joints less shock absorbing. Arthritis limits their flexibility and hip issues start to develop. I know with Mackenzie, just getting out the front door requires the help of what I like to call the “Human Hydraulic Lift” – picture two mechanical arms scooping and raising an animal over the edge of a doorstep and gently lowering. In a twisted way I think he now enjoys watching me slave over this task and even more so as we approach our Mazda 3.
Putting Mackenzie in the car is a 3 step process each time. Firstly, there is the task of physically lifting him in and out of the car; secondly, given his stability issues, I have to fasten him in with a wall of blankets so that he isn’t taking a tumble on turns; finally, I have to always bring a bowl of water that inevitably spills all over the place because in his old age he is thirsty all the time….I mean ALL THE TIME! Thankfully, there are some car companies out there that recognize these issues and have come with some great accessories to help owners like myself out. Now this will seem like a plug and in many ways it is but the intent is more about awareness of products aimed at improving dog and dog owner experience.
Honda’s new line of Elements’ (Multi-Purpose SUV) has the option of adding the following dog friendly features:
• A collapsible ramp in the back for less agile dogs
• A raised pet bed
• Pet restraints in the cargo
• Second row areas, removable seat covers for easy cleaning and washing,
• Ventilation fan and a spill resistant water bowl.
These are all very useful features that help provide peace of mind while travelling with your aging dog. Now when I am earning enough money to afford a Honda Element I will be sure to visit the nearest dealership..hahaha.
Definitely not something you hear much about but certainly no less important. Beth Davidow, a blogger at seattlepi.com, explains that a blood donor clinic for cats and dogs is important because like humans they need blood transfusions. She continues, “Dogs and cats are subject to many of the same injuries and diseases as people and thus blood products are an important treatment, especially in the emergency unit and in our ICU”.
Blood donor programs are also useful for cats or dogs who suffer from Anaemia – low red blood cells that cause weakness and shortness of breath. They help provide blood transfusions in instances of natural clotting problems or unnatural cases like when an animal eats rat poison. I know that with our aging 13 year old Pug there may be instances where surgery is needed and knowing that there is a supply of blood available to allow for such things puts my mind ease. This is a program that we must continue to support so that the supply remains accessible year after year.
Mackenzie is the kind of Pug that takes time to smell the roses, someone who appreciates the early signs of spring, a ray of sun or the dewy grass. You can’t rush Mackenzie and you’ll often find him staring off into the sunset wondering how life made him the man he is today.
How does he do it? Living with Mackenzie our 13 year old pug is a lesson of contentment. I don’t know if it is something that happens when you reach the twilight years of your life but ‘Big Mac’ as I refer to him seems to take pleasure in everything he does, be it eating, sleeping, walking, and what I believe is his favourite…pooping. Don’t get me wrong, I think it can be argued that most dogs regardless of age seem to have fun in doing all of these things. However, I firmly believe that as Mackenzie has gotten older he has come to really savour every moment of each of these activities. He is a breed that naturally has character but when you watch him eat he takes time outs after each bite to lick his chops for half a minute and then continue. When you watch him sleep, he has waking moments where it seems as though he is reflecting on the best times of his life. He really does make living look, not just easy, but truly tasteful. Like every minute is another serving of his favourite meal. I love it and am thankful I get to enjoy it every day. It is a great reminder of how enjoyable life is when we slow it down to a manageable pace.
