Digressions: My Life in 500 Words or Less

Sometimes it’s easy to forget our canine companions can have the aches and pains that might come with age. I think sometimes humans keep images of their canine companions in their minds like parents do children, freezing them in time at an early age despite their journey through adulthood.

This, I feel, is particularly true when the canines are a small breed. It is easy to look at a small dog and equate small with young.

In the past several months, Becca and I have experienced some reminders about our canine companions, Tybalt and Zorro.

Tybalt is 14. Zorro is nine.

Back in June, we noticed Zorro was acting odd and seemed to be experiencing some physical distress off and on. We took him to the veterinarian who told us our youngest has arthritis and a deteriorating spinal disc. He was given anti-inflammatory medicine that works and which we give him on occasion, when his arthritis flares up. Sometimes he does not need medication for nearly a week.

But that entire experience underscores the fact Zorro is not a puppy anymore.

Additionally, in the past month or so, we’ve noticed Tybalt has gotten more and more restless. He has always been our “cave dog,” preferring to find secluded sheltered spots to curl up in, usually behind, between or under furniture. He is endlessly seeking new nooks and crannies to occupy. Sometimes he will try out four or five new spots in the matter of a few minutes. These are places he eventually likes to sleep in, and sometimes they are not safe places, so I have to move him.

Tybalt and Zorro, are important parts of our lives, and Becca and I have tried to keep in mind their ages in our daily routines, especially lately. These recent developments have reminded us we need to recognize they are not as young as we sometimes think of them.

According to the American Kennel Club, dog age converted to human age is not an exact science, and the size of a dog is a factor. Smaller dogs tend to live longer, for reasons unknown. Zorro is the equivalent of about 52 years old in human years. Tybalt is roughly 72.

Still, in general, both our canine companions are pretty spry for their ages. And their childlike spirits make us smile.

They turn circles with excitement when they know they are about to go for a car ride or get treats. They roll on their backs or sides when they are playful.

Tybalt has no trouble climbing the stairs, but he no longer can jump up onto the window seat at the end of the upstairs hallway. I have to pick him up and place him on his favorite spot these days.

Zorro still enjoys investigating everything, but he avoids climbing the stairs. We sometimes get him started a few steps up, and he is able to successfully navigate the rest. Often we carry him up the steps.

We might sometimes forget our canine companions are seniors. But we will always be thankful for their youthful spirits.