It's been a long time since I've written a blog here. Actually, a couple of years ago I think.
Does this mean that my own life as a dog owner has come to a complete standstill? No, not at all. But perhaps more of a recognition that time has been short and that life with what has gradually become a senior dog has settled into a stable and safe framework.
Because with his 9th birthday coming up, Nemo has entered a quieter chapter of his dog's life, and I find that it opens up more and more questions as a dog owner - and then of course the overriding concern: how long I have left with my very best friend.
Because suddenly time is no longer infinite, and the little puppy that I brought home on my lap is getting gray hair on its snout and is now eating senior dog food.
Also read the blog: Dog in bed or not
And although I know that 9 years is not an age for a Jack Russell Terrier. I also know realistically that life is not infinite, and that with a number of flaws, he also has some odds against him. With age comes (as with the rest of us) of course also some quirks and increasing stubbornness.
Nemo has a very clear opinion about our regular walking routes in the area, and is determined that the morning walk always goes to the right across the field, just as the afternoon walk (if we are at home) goes to the left.
And then there's the stubbornness, because suddenly the little fat one may refuse to move until the treats are completely in place as a reward for, for example, getting into the car or out the door.
But it's also nice and easy with an older dog. We know each other inside and out, and have long since agreed on the rules that apply to our community.
And honestly, over time, these have also been relaxed a lot – so there aren't really any big discussions anymore, because honestly, if Nemo thinks we should go to the right across the field, we just do it, and if he would rather go later in the rain, we just do it too.
Just as he, on the other hand, knows that when the yoga mat is out – then there will be no playtime for the next while – and so he lies down in the basket and observes the unfolding of the next hour with peace of mind.
But the concern for his health is naturally increasing, and no matter how little I want to admit it, I am also gradually seeing more physical signs in my best friend that our friendship will not continue indefinitely.
When the cold sets in like now, he needs to be warm before the morning walk at a brisk pace, and of course I make sure he is regularly checked and gets some massage and supplements for his joints and arthritis so that his body isn't too stiff.
But honestly, it can be difficult to navigate the jungle of good advice here.
Because no matter how much you want to do the very best as a dog owner, it can be difficult to distinguish between what is good and which of the countless joint products on the market actually have an effect.
New mini guide to dog durability
I think the vast majority of dog owners really want to take the best care of their dog throughout his life, but it can be difficult to see exactly what you can do to give your best friend a good senior life.
In the coming time, we will therefore, in collaboration with dog physiotherapist Helle Hoffmann, focus on how to best care for our dogs, with the mini guide in 3 parts: How to get a durable dog.
Along the way, you will receive specific tips on what you as a dog owner can do from the time you bring the puppy home, until the dog grows up, and until the muzzle becomes a little grayer and the legs stiffer.
We hope that we at DogCoach can contribute to ensuring that all of your dogs have the longest and very best dog life.
About Bloggers of the Week
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 11 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 9 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.
When your best friend gets older
It's been a long time since I've written a blog here. Actually, a couple of years ago I think.
Does this mean that my own life as a dog owner has come to a complete standstill? No, not at all. But perhaps more of a recognition that time has been short and that life with what has gradually become a senior dog has settled into a stable and safe framework.
Because with his 9th birthday coming up, Nemo has entered a quieter chapter of his dog's life, and I find that it opens up more and more questions as a dog owner - and then of course the overriding concern: how long I have left with my very best friend.
Because suddenly time is no longer infinite, and the little puppy that I brought home on my lap is getting gray hair on its snout and is now eating senior dog food.
Also read the blog: Dog in bed or not
And although I know that 9 years is not an age for a Jack Russell Terrier. I also know realistically that life is not infinite, and that with a number of flaws, he also has some odds against him. With age comes (as with the rest of us) of course also some quirks and increasing stubbornness.
Nemo has a very clear opinion about our regular walking routes in the area, and is determined that the morning walk always goes to the right across the field, just as the afternoon walk (if we are at home) goes to the left.
And then there's the stubbornness, because suddenly the little fat one may refuse to move until the treats are completely in place as a reward for, for example, getting into the car or out the door.
But it's also nice and easy with an older dog. We know each other inside and out, and have long since agreed on the rules that apply to our community.
And honestly, over time, these have also been relaxed a lot – so there aren't really any big discussions anymore, because honestly, if Nemo thinks we should go to the right across the field, we just do it, and if he would rather go later in the rain, we just do it too.
Just as he, on the other hand, knows that when the yoga mat is out – then there will be no playtime for the next while – and so he lies down in the basket and observes the unfolding of the next hour with peace of mind.
But the concern for his health is naturally increasing, and no matter how little I want to admit it, I am also gradually seeing more physical signs in my best friend that our friendship will not continue indefinitely.
When the cold sets in like now, he needs to be warm before the morning walk at a brisk pace, and of course I make sure he is regularly checked and gets some massage and supplements for his joints and arthritis so that his body isn't too stiff.
But honestly, it can be difficult to navigate the jungle of good advice here.
Because no matter how much you want to do the very best as a dog owner, it can be difficult to distinguish between what is good and which of the countless joint products on the market actually have an effect.
New mini guide to dog durability
I think the vast majority of dog owners really want to take the best care of their dog throughout his life, but it can be difficult to see exactly what you can do to give your best friend a good senior life.
In the coming time, we will therefore, in collaboration with dog physiotherapist Helle Hoffmann, focus on how to best care for our dogs, with the mini guide in 3 parts: How to get a durable dog.
Along the way, you will receive specific tips on what you as a dog owner can do from the time you bring the puppy home, until the dog grows up, and until the muzzle becomes a little grayer and the legs stiffer.
We hope that we at DogCoach can contribute to ensuring that all of your dogs have the longest and very best dog life.
About Bloggers of the Week
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 11 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 9 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.