Actually, our whole year has been completely unusual. Less than 3,000 miles have accumulated on our odometer, and it feels like we haven’t done anything truly interesting.
Maybe that’s to be expected after the nutty travel schedule we kept last year. But, truth be told, it’s more than that.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, Ty and Buster are getting old.
When Ty started slowing down last year, getting him a stroller allowed us to continue on at our normal pace. It was easy to fool ourselves into believing things weren’t really that different. But when Buster’s hind legs started giving him trouble over the winter, we knew life was going to change.
Traveling With Senior Dogs
With arthritis affecting Buster’s hips, giving the boys the “best possible life” quickly went from exploring new places to spending more time cuddling on the sofa. Don’t get me wrong – snuggling on the sofa has always been one of my favorite pass times! Still, compared to all the places we traveled last year, it feels a bit like we completed the road trip and fell off a cliff. A more gradual transition would have given me time to adjust. But that’s not what we got.
READ MORE ⇒ Helping A Dog With Arthritis Keep Going
Now we spend more time throwing the ball for Buster and watching Ty meander around at his own pace. As much as I miss visiting new places, seeing the boys happy means so much more. We’ve been parked at my parents’ for the past five weeks, and Buster has literally worn out his squeaky balls. (Don’t worry buddy, we have more on the way!) And when Ty’s not sampling the grass, he can be found under the front porch, which he discovered makes an excellent fort. They’re content – not lamenting how things used to be, or worrying where time is taking them.
Changing Expectations
The most difficult thing has been adjusting my expectations. My heart hurts when Buster needs to rest after playing for 10 minutes. Or when Ty needs to be rescued because he’s wiggled into a spot and can’t find his way out. The past and the future run through me, and I want to shut my eyes and pretend the boys will always in their prime.
And yet I know these days are precious. Perhaps more than any that we’ve spent together. We’ve seen all the places, done all the things, and collected every single memory. When the time comes to say goodbye, we’ll have left no box unchecked. Rod and I have more mountains to climb. But, for now, we’re just grateful to throw the ball, overdo it on the treats, and let Ty and Buster know we couldn’t possibly love them more.
So, we’re traveling with senior dogs. For us it’s meant spending less time on the computers and more time on the sofa. What changes have you made to accommodate traveling with your senior pets?
You nailed it, Vicki – it’s one of the best things and one of the hardest things I’ve done. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Ahhhhhh…..so sweet and so hard to watch our best friends age.❤️
Thanks so much for your note, Julie! It is hard to talk about these things, and I’m sorry to hear that Buddy’s starting to have trouble with his hind legs too. We have to take our ques from them – and they’re still happy, so it’s our job to be happy and enjoy these days. Sending hugs and love to you and Buddy. Give him a scratch from me! <3
I commend you for making Buster and Ty’s needs your proiority and always doing your best for them, while at the same time doing amazing work with your business and your blog, and assembling that awesome team of travel bloggers. And, as someone who spends her time adopting senior dogs and doesn’t travel, I assure you that you’ll find many joys in this time with your boys. But then again, you already know that.
GoPetFriendly.com I look forward to reading all your blogs!
Excellent advice, Cheryl! I will be doing that … as much as Ty will allow. ;-)
Thank you, Denise. =)
That’s for sure, Mollie! They give us so much – it’s a priviledge to support them in this stage of their life. We’re grateful for every day.
I’m so glad to be able to bring that smile to your day, Jill. He’s been such a blessing to us – we’re looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week!
Exactly, Laura! I’m sorry to hear your boy is slowing down as well, but these are such special times. Our dogs are not thinking about the past or the future. It’s a lesson for us to be present – to treasure every day, and smile through the tears. All my best to you. <3
Thanks so much, Liz. We certainly have had an amazing run together. We’re navigating a new stage of life, as are you with a high schooler in the house now! For as difficult as these changes are, they’re also a blessing that I wouldn’t trade for anything. My thoughts are with you and Harold as well!
We’re so lucky that my parents have this amazing place for the boys to be!
Thanks so much, Cynthia. It’s amazing how much these dogs are still teaching me. If I can reflect half their grace and patience, I’ll be a much better person.
I so hope you all have a wonderful time in Wildwood, Terri! Waggin’ trails!
That’s for sure, Daniel! And they’ve given us so much over the years, giving back is the least we can do. They always have something to teach us.
It’s so funny, Pamela, because I never considered writing about those topics until today! I’ve been thinking of myself as a travel blogger and feeling quite lost since we’ve slowed our pace. Sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees! I’m so lucky to have you all to bring me around. <3
It definitely does feel like we’re nearing the end of a chapter of our lives, Jessica. And where the future will take us is definitely in the back of my mind. For now, I’ll just keep hugging the boys, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Cuddle with them every spare second you have. I wish I had done it more often rather than being distracted by things that could have waited
I know you’ve been down this path, Mary, and know how beautiful and difficult it is at the same time. Really, it’s the only thing to do. The boys have given us so much – making the most of the time we have together is the least we can do.
It really comes down to that, Lisa. They’ve given us so much – it’s the least we can do.
Exactly, Cindy. <3
You’re so welcome, Danielle. I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling, too. Hopefully knowing that you’re not alone brings a bit of comfort. I’m also going to be sharing more posts on this topic – maybe we can all help each other. <3
Boy, that’s the truth, Edie! After having thought of myself as a travel blogger for years, this year I’ve felt completely uninspired to write because we’re not out seeing things. It’s this weird tug-of-war inside me – knowing what’s best for the boys, and still wanting to be that person. What I realized after today’s post is that, while I might not be traveling as much, I’m still learning things that can help others – and that’s what my blog is REALLY about. Thanks for your note – I know you’ve been here, and I appreciate the support.
Thank you, Carrie! I’m glad we got to meet up as well. We won’t be getting around like we used to, but as long as we’re all having fun – that’s the important thing!
You hit the nail on the head, Vicki. We’re hoping for a long time together yet, but we also have to admit that things are changing and we’re making the most of the time we have.
Thank you so much
I thank you and Rod for giving Ty (and Buster)such a wonderful life for the last (almost) 14 years. It’s like having a piece of my girl with me whenever you post Ty’s picture…
Hugs to you both….Senior dogs make us slow down and take one day at time…allow us to hold them love them and pour our feelings out to them…and they know they are loved….my heart is with the Four of you
I can relate to this so much! I used to take my furbaby on so many adventures! But the past few years, he’s really slowed down, and also been dealing with some health issues. It breaks my heart to think of a life without him in it. But for now, I’m trying extremely hard to live in the present and be thankful for every day I have with him…..even if it’s just sitting on the couch while he naps or going on very slow walks while he smells everything! I hope you still have many more good times with your babies!
You both are a blessing to them and they are a blessing to you. You have been wonderful parents to your boys and all 4 of you deserve all the snuggle time you can get! My thoughts are with you all.
It’s an amazing feeling for me to see them leash free!!!
Makes me very very happy that you are taking in consideration the boys well being. It’s a naturalness stage where they are. You’re very – you as well boys, to have a safe and secure place you can hang around and let your worries at ease. I love seeing all your patent’s “homefront adventures” as well! No worries. With All my love!
We are going to wildwood NJ this weekend and the only pet friendly hotel there is royal Hawaiian which charges 35 xtra a night, but at least we can take our dog.
Our animal companions always try to match our pace. There comes a time when we need to give back. The boys are giving you a gift as well – time with your parents!
We totally understand your transitioning, I have been amazed at the pace you have traveled with the pups! My little Buster who is only 7 would be exhausted! Now you can focus on giving us all your insight and experiences to the geriatric years, I’m sure you will find great products or ideas for older dog activities such as doggie massages, special diets, playtime for older pups, etc. in addition to those extra cuddles that are well deserved!
It’s so heartbreaking to watch our furry loved ones get old. I know for me, since Chester and Gretel have been my blog since it started, saying goodbye to Chester was like the end fo an era for me. I know you guys aren’t there yet, and I love that you are cherishing your time together, that also has to be on your mind. They’re what inspired you to start this whole crazy life and, at leat for right now, the pace is slowing down and things are changing. Love you guys. I wish your Mom lived closer to me ;)
Oh Amy, please know my heart goes out to you, Rod and the boys. Watching as our darlings travel that road and following them as far as we may is a privilege, even with all the pain knowing brings. That you’re taking time now to cuddle and smell the roses (or nibble grass!) is a decision you will never regret. Love and hugs to you all.
You are doing what’s best for your fur babies. That’s what’s most important.
Thanks for sharing your story. I too am struggling with life in an RV with an 18 year old dog. Difficult times deciding what is best for our dog family members. Sending my good thoughts to you & your family!
What a beautiful post, expressing perfectly the pain we all feel when we see our dogs growing old and wish we could turn the clock back. It’s especially hard when we (as dog bloggers) live our lives in public, and have an image of who we are and what we are “supposed” to be doing with our pets. I remember wanting Frankie to be a certain way — fun, perky, sweet — and then feeling terrible when it was his image/my writing I was concerned about rather than him. So good for you for putting it out there, acknowledging it, and stepping back and doing what’s best for the boys. Hugs, my friend.
Thank you for sharing your story, Amy. We will miss seeing you and Rod and the boys on the road (thankful we got to meet up with you in Arizona!) You have done an awesome job sharing your travels and stories. Best wishes for continued happy adventures.
The dogs are our children. It hurts so much when they get to the age where the end is closer than you want to admit. You are doing the right thing.
Thank you, Cheryl! <3
Doreen Chilton Great ideas, Doreen! I am learning new things with the boys that could be shared – even though they’re not about traveling. I’ve felt stuck, but now that we’re talking about it, I think it will be easy to share more about our experiences with ageing dogs. I know so many others are in the same place in their dogs lives, so our experiences may help. Please give Bailey a belly rub from me, and enjoy the sniffing!
Yes, Betsy, you did let me know that Jesse had passed, and my heart goes out to you. And I’m so glad to hear that Toby is still following you from room to room and will be heading out on another RV trip! I think getting this out will help make it easier to post more pics of Ty and Buster, and I’m so greatful for this community that loves my boys like their own.
Thank you so much, Barbara. Some of these things are not easy to navigate, but we’re doing the best we can. <3
Ditto!!
You’re an excellent role model of K9 parenting, whether on the road or not.
Amy, I agree. We do not mind the cute napping photos and I admire you for talking about this. You are doing what your boys need right now and putting their needs first, as it should be. Maybe some posts about how to keep your seniors minds active would be helpful. Talking honestly about your feelings is helpful too, I remember with my last dog, feeling guilty because I wished she would just pass in her sleep. Bailey is 11, he use to love agility and other things but he still enjoys just laying in his yard sniffing all the wonderful smells. Different, yes and a new normal but certainly an ok thing to enjoy!
Amy, I think I wrote you about losing our GSD, Jesse in May. Our dogs go everywhere and do everything with us. Toby, our Golden, just had his 12th birthday. We got them as puppies together, and Toby was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma last January, had a toe removed, etc…we had been told to expect around 3 more months with him. So, what a shock when we lost Jesse first. Toby, thankfully, is still interested in following me from room to room, and soon will go on another RV expedition with us. We shall use the ramp you have (per your article recommending it) and he will enjoy the trip, though we all would’ve enjoyed it far more with BOTH our dogs. Please continue to post about Buster and Ty. We don’t care if the background views never change from where you currently are! Best wishes to you all.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing, Doreen, and thank you for your note. I have such a crazy combination of feelings, which is why it’s taken me so long to write about it. There’s so much love, and gratitude for the time we’ve had with Ty and Buster. At almost 14 and 11, we know how blessed we’ve been. And then there’s the feeling of loss, for the way things were, for the adventuring that the boys just can’t do anymore. And I miss sharing our stories and our fun photos – but how many photos do people want to see of Ty and Buster napping? So I feel bad about that. Loving senior dogs is providing a whole new learning experience – a lesson is slowing down, being content, and appreciating every day. It’s not easy … and I wouldn’t trade if for the world.
Amy, I feel your pain. I have not traveled with Bailey like you have but every weekend usually involved some kind of activity with him. With his reactivity getting worse as he ages, and all his aches and pains and two torn ACL’s, we spend most days laying around. He still gets to do his therapy work on Sundays, just a shorter amount of time at the hospital since he does not behave in a stroller. I bet they are loving spending time at your parents, and coming from someone who recently lost her mom, enjoy every second because in a blink it is gone.