Today we’re Celebrating Day 116 of Life with Hobbes, the dog! When I wrote the September blog, I never in my wildest dreams thought we would even have the opportunity celebrate 2019 with Hobbes. Each day is a gift and a blessing – dog teaches about living while dying.
Yes, we are seeing him slowing down and sleeping harder and longer. Recently he struggled getting up on hardwood floors with his back legs sliding out from under him. We added rubber backed rugs in his favorite spots in the kitchen. Hobbes observes from his rugs and rules the kitchen.
Hobbes started waking me up at night licking himself. I realized he was uncomfortable or embarrassed by urine leakage. A Lake Harriet vet tech recommended the wonderful Teamoy washable belly bands for male dogs. Before we go to bed, I put one on Hobbes. In the morning, it comes off. Everyone is happier and sleeping better.
I swear the Chinese herbs are the magical pills. I hid them in turkey or chicken until he refused the pills snacks. I tried Greenies Pill Pockets. He loved them but his body didn’t. Tried another commercial pill container that didn’t work. A client recommended Applegate (organic) Chicken and Apple sausages. Huge success! Perfect for hiding capsules and pills. John said “he wants variety,” and now he gets it.
Except for the icy, rain of yesterday, Hobbes loves going for his self-directed walks. Sometime he’ll take us 4 blocks and then we head home. Sometimes the self-directed walks are redirected toward home by us.
For years after a walk, Hobbes played almost daily with a toy for 5-10 minutes, chewing at a seam, throwing it around, playing tug, and just having a great time. Now every few days or once a week, he’ll bark at us to get a toy. Then he’ll play for a minute or so. His BFF, Sophie, gave him a new favorite toy. He’s played nearly every night for a few minutes.
Being 12, Hobbes has some aches. His rehab vet gave us pills for most of his aging aches. He specifically licks his hock (ankle) and elbow when they hurt. I reach for the magical, custom made essential oil blend by Amy Williams DeLong. Amy is a certified animal aromatherapist and one of Hobbes favorites.
I spray the blend on the licked spots and my hand. He licks every drop off my hand – a true test that he needs it. Licking stops!
Each morning we are grateful to see Hobbes as he wakes up. We watch for his signals and just focus on the day. He’s teaching us to live in the present moment. Daily Hobbes, the dog teaches about living while dying!
Hobbes and my wish for you and all your loved ones — have a fantastic 2019!
