Looking at my little Dachshund today, I can't believe he
is getting so old. It was just yesterday when he was a puppy. He will
be 18 years old this year and I know it won't be long before we will
have to say good-bye.
 |
| I Ain't Dead Yet |
In the evenings, he is pretty stiff. When I ask him if he wants to go outside he just looks at me as if to say, "You're kidding, right? I was just getting comfortable."
So I use every form of encouragement I can muster -- "Come on boy, I'll give you a treat." That usually works and he walks down the three stairs from the sofa to the floor and maneuvers his tired, aching body to the back door. Stepping onto the deck and then onto the grass is a major feat but by the time he is ready to come back in the house, he is no longer stiff and jumping up and down in great anticipation of his treat. Then it is back to the sofa for his sleep.
A Dog with a Job...
I remember when we would say "Get 'em up, Texas!" and he would round up the horses, dogs, cats or any other animals that were in the close vicinity of the yard. He was a working dog and always needed a job. When we moved to the city and it was time for him to retire, it was difficult for him to understand. So, we would encourage him and throw his ball in the house and say "Get 'em up, Tex!"
He would run for the ball and then herd our cat in the corner. He was just doing his job and he loved to please us.
He survived the attack
Two years ago he was brutally attacked by a Bull Mastiff and almost bit in half. No one could believe that a dog of his size and age could have survived that ordeal. But, two surgeries and several months later he was good as new. Well.....almost. He probably would not be as stiff today if he had not had those injuries but then there were all the times he had been kicked by the horses and would pick himself up and keep running.
One tough little guy. We love him to bits. We will miss him when he goes but we aren't ready to let him go yet and I know he isn't either - as he is still full of life, spit and vinegar.
No comments :
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.