Lessons from an old dog

I have an old dog who is nearly blind and deaf. Also, his sense of smell is not what one would think of as valuable for a canine. This pup has loved to play since the moment we brought him home. In fact, when my late mother in law would dog sit for us, she would ask how to get him to stop playing (hide his toys) so she could take a break.

As a senior, his love of play has not diminished. Sure, he has a bit less energy and his joints are stiff, but he is still strong and is not one to simply lounge the day away.

The problem is that he can't see to find his favorite toys, can't hear to figure out where we throw them and can't smell the puppy to see where he is hording the toys.

He found a solution to his problem, however. He simply asks to play by barking. Incessantly. Standing in the middle of the room and barking for no other reason we can figure out. When that happens, we find a favorite toy and hold it to his mouth and he is good for a rousing game of tug or keep away. One of his favorite games is to tease the puppy by holding a small toy in his mouth and allowing the pup to get close enough to take it before jerking his head away, just with the slightest movement, a la Charlie Brown and Lucy. Of course the puppy is spry and has very keen eyesight and hearing and doesn't miss a thing, so he frequently does get the toy. This does not sway the elder one bit. He still runs around and barks, staying in the game. He doesn't always bark toward the younger dog, or run in the right direction, but he is still actively engaged and eventually ends up with his needs being met.

I think we could all learn a lot from that guy. He asks for help and doesn't give up. He may bump into furniture, trip down the stairs and take a wrong turn, but he keeps going and never loses sight of his end-game. He's quite persistent and doesn't let his physical limitations or other barriers get in his way. And, he does it all with a smile and pep in his arthritic step. He is resilient and persevering and living his best!

You, too, can live your best. Let me help you overcome your barriers and find ways to thrive, regardless of your circumstances.