I realize that I don’t really talk about my pets much online. We’ve had a few as a family, from cats to mice(ewww), to fish and dogs, but there’s one who’s been with us longer than any other and that’s our dog, Jenna. She’s been a part of our family since 1996, just before Cody’s second birthday. He tugged at her tail and tried to ride her like a pony and through it all she’s remained the absolute best dog a family could ask for. She was a shelter dog and her given name was “Annie”, but I didn’t like it all that much, plus Cody was a little addicted to watching the movie Balto over and over at the time, so it just seemed fitting that we would name her after Balto’s love interest in the film, Jenna. Oh, if you haven’t watched Balto, you should. It’s a wonderful, wonderful story…..and a true one at that.
In recent months we’ve been reminded of the reality of Jenna’s age and the fact that we simply outlive our pets, in most cases. It’s been painful at times, but also an awakening of how lucky we are and how precious every moment, day, month that we still have her here with us is and that we need to treasure every bit of it. I’ve been guilty of taking her for granted since she’s such a fixture in our family. I’ve often said she was the only way I got a daughter since the kids I gave birth to are both boys. Probably more lucky for me since I hear human daughters can be a little bit on the moody side in the teenage years.
I’m a bit of a numbers person. I’ve always loved math and connecting numbers, so it seemed natural that my geeky self would start running Jenna’s dog years through my head recently. You know that math, right? For every human year you multiply it by 7 to get a dog year. Really though, they say that it increases the older the dog gets because they age more rapidly, but I’ll just stick to that 7 number for the sake of keeping things less confusing. For some reason I decided to not only figure out Jenna’s doggy age, but also connect it with that of our family. A few weeks ago she had a birthday and turned 16 years old, or 112 in dog years, making her older than all human family members combined. We slide in at just 111 years combined. Jenna sort of deserves a throne or something. Seriously, if I met a person who was 112 years old, I’d think they must have lived an amazing and healthy life, with many stories to tell. I look at Jenna and I see miles she’s put on her petite frame and the toll that aging is probably taking on all of her organs. Sometimes I cry as I dread that day that I know will come when me have to say goodbye to her and then I love her a little harder, give her more attention and treat her more delicately. I hope she feels how much I cherish her in our family. Mostly, though, I hope that the stories she would tell of being in our family are good ones, filled with a lot of love and plenty of yummy treats.
Oh Cathy, I feel your pain. I’m in a very similar situation. We have a chocolate lab who just turned 13. She’s been with me through everything over the past 13 years. We just found out she’s sick and I’m heartbroken. I can’t imagine life without her. It’s going to be a rough few months.
Lori Popkewitz Alper recently posted..Why There Were Television Cameras in My Kitchen
Oh Lori, I’m so sorry so hear about your girl. Give her a whole bunch of love and a scratch and maybe an extra *treat* from me, please. This whole being the parent to a pet is such tough stuff.
This sounds great that yoga poses can actually helps in improving our digestion. Would try to incorporate in my exercise routine.dog bed wholesale
Virtual pets have come on leaps and bounds since when we had Tamagotchis in the 90s. Today’s digi-pets are almost as good as the real thing and are a great way to encourage kids to be responsible for feeding and looking after an animal. One key benefit of a robot dog toy over a real dog, is that you won’t have to deal with the poos!Nodytalk
Starting in late July, a sea of dedicated Ohio youth clad in plaid shirts, jeans and shiny belt buckles congregated in Columbus for the Ohio State Fair, the pinnacle of livestock shows in the state. They arrived toting meticulously groomed and cared for market livestock of every kind — from goats to beef cattle.dog niche with breeds
Understand that you’re important to your dog. Your presence can give your dog the confidence to explore new things, and your dog will look to you for information when presented with a new or stressful item.dog rocks
Once you’ve chosen a puppy, it’s important to establish a routine for feeding, potty training, and exercise. Consistency is key when it comes to training a new puppy, so try to establish a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible.
Make sure to provide your new puppy with plenty of love, attention, and socialization. This will help them to develop a strong bond with your family and become a well-adjusted, happy pet.giant maine coon
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While boiled food with minimal spices and no oil content may work for certain dogs with specific dietary requirements, it is not always the optimal or exclusive choice for all canines. Providing your dog with a diverse and well-balanced diet, under the guidance of a veterinarian, is crucial to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and content.Pet Advice Pro
To prevent sunburn and skin damage in pets, it’s recommended to limit their exposure to the sun during peak hours, which are typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. When outside, providing shade or a covered area can also help protect your pet from direct sunlight. Additionally, applying pet-safe sunscreen to your pet’s exposed skin can help prevent sunburn and skin damage.
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Pets bring immense joy and companionship into our lives. Whether it’s a playful puppy or a serene cat, these furry friends have a unique ability to brighten our days. Owning a pet comes with a multitude of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. When we spend time with our pets, their unconditional love and affection create a sense of calm and happiness.
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Pets, those beloved companions that fill our lives with boundless joy and unwavering loyalty. They come in various shapes, sizes, and species, each bringing a unique essence to our homes. From the enthusiastic wag of a dog’s tail to the soft purring of a contented cat, pets have an innate ability to touch our hearts in ways that are ineffable. Their presence alone can transform a house into a home, infusing it with warmth and love. The connection formed with a pet transcends mere companionship; it evolves into a profound bond, a silent language understood without words.Melvin