Old dogs

My darling Allie is starting to wander around slowly and stop and just stand there, as if she's not quite sure where she is or what she's doing there. One eye is quite cloudy, and she seems to be somewhat hard of hearing, although all Mals are when they want to be ;-).

Our walks are quite short -- she still enjoys offering to eat the neighborhood hors d'oeuvre dogs, but when she gets tired, she just lies down and refuses to budge. You know how people become more themselves as they age? Well, Allie certainly has. She is one stubborn broad. We have been know to spend up to 20 minutes, her refusing to so much as get up, me pleading, calling, offering treats, walking away, ignoring, lifting, trying to carry, pushing, pulling .... until finally SHE decides to amble nonchalantly away ...

She still touches noses with and licks the indoor cats. Wherever I am in the house, whatever I'm doing, Allie is guaranteed to be within 2 meters' range, fast asleep. I have no idea how she does it, moving from place to place while curled up peacefully -- velcro? bungee cords? -- but she doesn't let me out of her range. When I'm ready to go to bed, there's Allie, smack in the middle of the bed, taking up ALL the pillows, with an angelic smile on her face. When I wake up, there's Allie, breathing intently in my face.

Allie's been in renal failure for over 2 years now. The first time I came home and she didn't come and greet me at the door, I went into panic. I know this is something I'll have to get used to -- but not yet! As long as my good girl is still brave and strong and funny, I'll treasure this time with her. Old dogs are so special, and spoiling them rotten is about all we can do.

Oh, and my dogs also adore pumpkin! It regulates stools either way, and seems to be perfectly healthy in small amounts. Try sweet potato, too -- mine adore it, even microwaved ...