SENIOR DOGS ROCK!

SEN IOR DOGS

ROCK

By Elizabeth Parker

There’s nothing like being on the receiving side of love from a furry, little puppy who has chosen you as their playmate for the day.

That “new puppy” smell, the soft fur, white teeth, the unflagging energy and the unconditional love that is there right from the start. They are more than happy to play whatever game you choose and may even make up a few of their own.

However, while puppies are amazing and fun, there are so many lovely things about them as they grow a bit older. Senior “puppies” need to be celebrated!

They might not have as much energy, and instead of jumping in your lap, they may slowly climb into it. Their game of fetch might be a session of chewing on a tennis ball for a few minutes, but the love and understanding that exists cannot be emulated.

They are frequently happy to go for walks and just as content to sit on your lap for a quality evening of cuddling. They still enjoy car rides and visits to the park.

Most seniors are housebroken, so you don’t have to worry about accidents on the carpets, and many have outgrown the destructive “puppy” phase, so you won’t have to worry too much about coming home to chewed-up shoes or furniture.

If one of your concerns is that they won’t bond with you as a puppy would, that couldn’t be further from the truth. One might be surprised at how quickly a senior dog WILL bond with them!

There’s a great chance it will happen almost instantly. As a matter of fact, I recall my last two seniors jumping into my lap as if they knew me for years on the first day that I brought them home. It was the best reward to know they accepted me and I certainly accepted them!

There is a certain appreciation factor that senior dogs seem to have. They know the rules of the house and realize they are just as much part of the family as anyone else.

Contrary to the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” you certainly can train them, and once they learn those new tricks, they’ll be happy to show them off! Also, your senior dog will love the quality time they spend with you learning those tricks. Their minds are still sharp and eager to please.

While our time with senior dogs may be a little less than the time we have with a puppy, remember there are no guarantees in life. A senior dog may live with you for many years to come, and they will be a fantastic companion during those years!

They exercise their loyalty day after day without complaint and the love that they give is something that will never be forgotten. They are family and you are their world.

But, please keep a secret. Senior dogs don’t know how old they are so please don’t tell them. In their minds, they are still puppies!

Elizabeth Parker – Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, My Dog Does That!, Bark Out Loud!, Paw Prints in the Sand, Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished, Unwanted Dreams, Phobia, Evil’s Door and Faces of Deception. Available on Amazon.com!

Stephanie Malone

REALTOR®, PSA Lic. #S.0177713 MaloneRealtyOne@gmail.com

Joyce Malone

REALTOR®, SRS Lic. #S.0059206 JMalone@RealtyOneLV.com

Go to our website at www.MaloneRealtyGroup.com to view our current listings.

THE MALONE TEAM WISHES EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON and remember we’re here to help with all your real estate needs.

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National Day of the Horse

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Strength, Beauty & Freedom

In 2004 the United States Senate officially designated December 13 as the National Day of the Horse to honor horses for the vital role they had in the development of our country. They helped settle America by pulling our wagons, plowing our fields, herding our cattle, and even delivering our mail. They were the trucks, tractors, and postal carriers of that time. Today horses are still used for ranching and recreational riding. Also, therapy horses are beneficial to people who suffer with anxiety disorders, communication deficits, physical limitations, and other social/emotional issues.

On December 13, take some time to be thankful for horses; for their role in our history and for the many ways they benefit our lives today.