It'll happen to all of us if we're lucky enough to survive. I'm talking about old age. This year, Jake turned 12. In dog years, for an animal as large as he is, that's OLD. He's getting saggy and sleepy, no longer chasing squirrels, though he'll still go after cats any day of the week. The dogs he once tried to pick fights with have become part of the landscape as far as he's concerned. There are even days when he doesn't bother to get up and bark at the mailman.
In a way, Jake's old age is a relief. He was uber-energized in his prime, never got enough exercise even though I got him out and ran him until his tongue hung out the side of his mouth. Even last year he was still eager to walk to the Capitol and explore the grounds there, but this year he stops at 6th street and shows me he's ready to head back to the house.
He's the first dog I've ever had. It's likely I won't try to replace him...but...why am I already planning on my life after his demise? He isn't dead yet! And in fact right now he's giving me the evil eye which means it's time to take a walk down to 6th Street, pausing here and there so he can sniff and piss, and so I can take some pics.
Life is precious - and fleeting! Carpe canine diem!
11 comments:
There is life in the old dog yet :-)
There is nothing quite so wonderful as a dog friend and I'm sure there's a good reason that dog spelled the other way is god :-)
By the way, there's something for you over at my place.
Welcome to my world, Jake. I feel old as the hills today...
great shots--shadows and water ...
I am so glad he stopped chasing me--he seemed intent on gettin' me.
Greetings to you and dear Jake. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, M.A. The blogsphere still feels bizarre without Fictional Rockstar. Oh well ...
Jake was very intent on gettin' you, Squirrel. Almost got you a couple of times. Yikes.
ah. lovely jake.
old dogs are so lovely. i can't wait to meet him
:o)
Indeed, don't rush things! Enjoy each walk, each ear scratch, each cat chase. He still seems so puppy-like to me, at least in your photos and videos - I remember being so surprised when you told me he was 12!
What a wonderful photo of Jake! It almost looks like a slow motion photo. LOVE IT!! And just like in our slow-mo vid of our dogs drinking water you can see that Jake's tongue is bent backwards to drink. See? Amazing capture, Reya!
Many happy returns to Jake!
Frame that one and treasure it.
the picture of jake drinking is magic! dixie sends her regards to jake. hugs to you both!
You have captured my feelings of late ...life is indeed precious and fleeting. This has been a difficult holiday for me due to illness (not mine) and has made me truly appreciate each moment, each safe evening wrapped in a blanket watching TV and spending time with the ones I love.
Maybe we have these moments to remind us of this.
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