Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Learning an Old Dog's tricks

Today was the Seven Sons' birthday. 

That is what I always called Scout and Tanner's litter since there were seven puppies and they were all boys.  Scout and the rest of his remaining brothers turned 13 today, as Tanner would have if he were still here.  The Seven Sons are more the Fabulous Five now.

Scout is still doing pretty well for turning 13.  He is definitely showing his age and has gotten rather tottery.  Like many old dogs, he has lost most of the muscle in his hips and he does wobble from time to time.  He gets Previcox and joint supplements every day to help with arthritis, but he still manages to go on hikes with us.

Scout is still very much convinced that he is the ruler of the world.  He is certainly the old patriarch of the pack.  The puppies are very respectful of him and are always extremely careful not to knock into him.  They aren't always so careful of us humans as FB can attest to today having been run over by a very large puppy.  We like to think we are in charge, but the truth is, we can't hold a candle to Scout.  We can yell and holler and they mostly listen, but one twitch of an eyebrow from Scout has those puppies fawning at his feet.  There are a lot of tricks that only an old dog can teach.

It isn't easy watching such a vibrant and strong-willed friend become frail with age, but it is also good to see that Scout does not feel diminished at all.  There is a lesson in that.  There is the sorrow and the beauty of an old dog who still lives fully and joyfully in the knowledge of his own worth. 

Happy Birthday Scout and to the rest of the Seven Sons.



13 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to Scout, Tanner, and the rest of the brothers. Thanks!

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  2. Scout is one lucky boy, to be able to live the good life all this time. No chain link dog runs for Scout.

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  3. Happy Birthday Scout. My d'Arcy is 11 now and feeling his age. But still happy and sweet.

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  4. It does my heart good to hear about the old boy. Dudley (80-lb lab mix) came into my life the same year both my parents died. I love him to death. And want him to live forever...

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  5. Next to puppies, I love old dogs best. Happy Birthday beautiful Scout and all your remaining brothers.

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  6. What a lovely, well written tribute to your wonderful doggo. Happy Birthday Scout!!!

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  7. Bosco never lost his rock star air, either, even when he was old and had diabetes.

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  8. From California - we wish Scout and his brothers a very Happy Birthday. You wrote so eloquently about how much old dogs carry their star quality into their senior years. We treasure them. Your young ones honor and respect him as they should.

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  9. I love the old white-faces. They become ever more precious.

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  10. Oh Kris, that is an awesome tribute to our boys. As the human mom of the seven sons, I am truly grateful for our remaining fivesome and miss the two, Gyp & Tanner, every day. Thanks for your thoughts.

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  11. Old dogs have something special. Morris is showing me how to grow old with dignity and I am trying to learn.

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