Senior dogs rock... mostly.

Shortly after we were married in 2015, Mike and I decided to foster a 10-year-old Doberman named Pookie.  She has only 3 legs, trouble hearing (although evidence seems to prove it's a mostly selective condition), and trouble seeing.  It was not long after Pook came to our home that we realized she's a Schmidt, and so we adopted her.  We do not regret that one bit!

Pookie is undoubtedly one of the sweetest beings I've ever met.  She adores people... especially young children as three of our littlest friends, Adelyn, Marley, and Siggi, can attest to.  She's gentle and kind, with a huge dose of sassy that has crept in over the months.  We've taught her to play the very popular Doberman game, "Bitey Face, Kissy Snout" with us, where our hands play the role of the other dog.  She is even slowly coming around to wanting to play with whatever dog friend we have at the house, and that really warms our hearts!

But some days, it is just plain hard to care for an animal with issues.  At this point, she doesn't have a lot of control of her bladder or bowels, and since she has trouble walking, as well, often ends up sitting in her accident until we come along to clean things up.  Once she realizes there was an accident, she's completely beside herself to the point of being inconsolable.  Showering is also not a favorite of hers, another common Doberman trait.  Her mobility varies from day to day, and she very clearly gets frustrated by that.  We help her move around most of the time, unless she's adamant on doing it herself.  We find ourselves walking this fine line of helping without hurting.  Some days, it's just exhausting.

I say this not to sound cold, or to ask for praise of any sort.  We will do anything for this precious angel, and put the same effort in to everyone we love.  We will foster/adopt seniors again, as it is overall a very rewarding experience.  I say it because I think there are many others out there caring for an animal (or even a person) who wonder "can I keep doing this?".  I'm certainly no expert, but I think these feelings are normal for a couple of reasons.  One, you don't want to see anyone or anything decline or start to suffer.  It is painful and sad, and too much to bear some days. You have no magic wand to fix it and take away their troubles, and you feel completely helpless.  Two, lets be honest, it is physically demanding and draining and, at some point, you're just plain tired.

And then you see that sweet little face, and she gives you a kiss, and you feel like a major asshole for even entertaining the slightest negative thought or desire to give up.  Dogs, in particular, live in the now.  They don't worry about tomorrow and don't reminisce about the past.  Give them your best each day, and enjoy every single "good" moment there is, because no one knows when those chances will be gone.  And believe me, it is absolutely crazy the things you miss once a dog has passed.  Things that drove you nuts when they were here.  So appreciate them now, while you can.

Pookie still has more good days than bad, and for that we are very grateful.  We have diapers coming for her to help with the messes.  Her couch is covered with a waterproof crib mattress liner for easier cleanup.  We have the amazing Dr. Liv on our side to help manage things (massage, acupuncture, cold laser, water therapy), and wise friends who have great tips to make things better for us all (line her beds with garbage bags, use comforters that are easy to wash).

Pookie will know she is very loved, by many, for as long as we are her people.

~K