My dog is getting older, and while he won’t be around forever I try to remind myself to spend time with him now, to enjoy everything about him while I can.
And so … these are the 10 things I will do for my dog.
I can do these things now. Today. This week. Just as you can do 10 things for your own dog too.
I have a bucket list for my dog, but that list is more of a fantasy. We will do many of those things, but ultimately they don’t matter as much as these 10.
For my older dog, Ace, this is what I’ll do for you:
I will kiss your ears.
I will lie on the floor with you, holding you.
I will sing to you because it makes your tail wag.
I will take you to the beach.
And to the park.
Not tomorrow. Today.
I will be patient when you want to sniff on walks.
I will be reminded by you to take my time.
I won’t wait until next week to take you along … to coffee shops, to get ice cream or just to stroll.
We will go today.
We will go while we still can.
J Lamm
Saturday 1st of October 2016
Great list. When my 12 yr old Havanese was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve and almost died; I told him that no matter what I was doing when he brought me a toy to play, I would stop that minute and play (usually less than ten minutes at a time.) We got time to play for three more years, even the morning he died of a torn heart sack (not related to the valve issue!)
Jean Patterson
Thursday 29th of September 2016
These kinds of posts always make me cry because my GSD is 12 now and moving slow. I can't stand the thought of not having my best friend with me. Even though I have four dogs, the loss of any is devastating. They are all I have and all I am. I don't know how people survive the loss. Yes I have lost babies in my past, but when we become older it seems much harder. Sorry for any misspelled words, it's hard to see through the tears.
Jana Rade
Saturday 18th of April 2015
Definitely. Do it while you can. It really helped after Jasmine's passing - we gave her everything we could, every day.
Jen Gabbard
Thursday 16th of April 2015
Such a sweet reminder of all the things we can do right now with and for our dogs. My boyfriend thinks I'm nuts but I get on the floor with Laika all the time and lie in the sun with her - it's nice and relaxing.
Barkocity
Thursday 16th of April 2015
Lindsay, what a beautiful poem. I love that you say "Today, not tomorrow." Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in our busy lives, but every day we should make time for our canine companions. I love the saying "You have many best friends, but your dogs has only one." Great post, I look forward to reading more. :)
-Cara from Barkocity