After our R.E.A.D. programs at the local elementary schools every week, Tango exits the schools then takes me on a short sniff walk.
He’s almost nine years old now. Our walks are a little different now than they were even two or three years ago. They’re more…aimless now. When he was younger, he’d follow my lead, keep up with my pace changes, look to me for where we were going and what we’d do.
Today, though, I noticed that Tango definitely led the walk. We went at his pace, he sniffed where he wanted, and he was much less open to my suggestions.
I’m not particularly keen on watching my boy age. There’s no alternative — no acceptable one, that is — to seeing him get old, I know that. But on today’s sniff walks, he seemed more “old man” than usual.
His face is getting gray, yes it’s true. You can see the old man face coming in. For a long time, I was so proud of his “puppy face.” Wherever we’d go, people would ask his age and be surprised when I’d say 5 or 6 — even 7 years old. “But he looks like just a pup!” they’d exclaim. I’d smile and say “yes, he’ll be forever a pup.”
Now, though, he’s growing into his old and wise face that comes only with age. I never thought about Tango aging. Why would I? He’d never be anywhere but by my side for the rest of my life, right? I don’t even need to think about life after Tango, do I?
Oh, he’s still spry and frisky and ready to roll — he’s not done living yet! (Regarless of my melancholy post…) He’ll still chase the tennis ball enthusiastically, he’ll still jump in and play with the others when the ruckus is just right. And as much as I love the face of an old dog, it does give me pause, makes my heart stop for just a beat, for I simply can’t bear to think about how quickly dogs live their lives.
Tango’s only nine — he’s got quite a few years left. And my melancholy mood will be fleeting, I’m sure. It just feels odd to enter another phase of Tango’s life — his mature years. It’ll take some getting used to on my part.
Since my old (almost 14) dog died last year, I keep interrupting people who are complaining about their young dog’s exuberance. I remind them that it won’t be that long before they’ll miss the energy and ruckus.
My fiance’s family has a 12 year old chocolate lab. Sometimes she’s a little slower, and sometimes she’s just like a puppy. It’s just the way things are, I guess. Ela is almost 3 (!) already, and I don’t know how the time has passed so quickly.
Tango is very handsome ^^
My black lab is turning 6 in June but she already has a grey muzzle. Tango is such a cutie; I’m sure he will be around a long time based on the superb care you have given him his whole life.
My lab mix Emma will be 9 later this year and while she seems pretty spry still too, I wonder if you are changing your dogs food or treats or doing anything different besides letting him take over leading the walks. I would greatly appreciate reading more posts on older dogs!
As always, I look forward to your posts!
Sweet Cody is 13 🙂
I know what you mean. Bella is 10, and I have these same thoughts. I was just noticing yesterday how different her muzzle looks now than it did when I got her.