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So my Westie, Ringo, has always been a handful. The way we've kept him occupied (and he's kept me occupied) is by walking which he loves.
Because of Ringo, I've explored every walking trail and biking trail when I moved to a new town 7 years ago. We know every trail in town and how to get anywhere on one of our bike trails. We know all the wooded trails in our pretty forests.
My neighbor who has lived here her whole life; hasn't even been on most of them.
Lucy ( the yorkie) tags along with us - but a mile and she's done. Ringo always wants to go farther and farther and farther. I ended up carrying Lucy part of the way sometimes.
Ringo turned 11 in June and while I noticed it last summer, this year our walks are so SHORT. He still runs around the yard checking the perimeter, but a mile walk is all he can do. Some of them than involved steps, I just cut out all together.
Today, we went on his favorite wooded trail - cool and peaceful but he walked 1/4 mile and turned around. He wanted to go home.
It made me so sad. I mean, he's healthy for his age according to the Vet but I guess he just tires out easier?
I just came on here to vent a bit because walking together is something we've done every evening for years; Saturday and Sunday mornings. I don't know what to do if we don't do that. It's my routine; my stress reliever.
I don't see me taking Lucy and leaving Ringo home. I could leave them both home and go alone . . .
Sounds like it's time to start walking without either dog. Go on your short walk if Ringo seems to feel like he's being punished but at 11 yrs old, it's like he's 77 or so.
Would he enjoy being strapped in on your chest? My long departed Pomeranian used to ride in my friend's backpack for the long walks that she could no longer keep up with. She knew when all the dogs were heading out for the walk and wanted to be a part of the fun. I think for his spirit, Ringo would probably enjoy still accompanying you.
Perhaps if possible at least once in a while, just take the two dogs on shorter walks they are comfortable with, even if it's only 5-10 minutes long and you can always go for longer walks when you please without them. My dog loves going out even if it's for a car ride with me but if I take him to walk he'll last maybe 5 minutes and then wants to go back. I've accepted that and don't push him especially when it's summer time and it's hot outside.
Years ago when one of my other dogs became old and arthritic he could no longer go for walks. I did the unthinkable and bought him a dog stroller and he loved it. He was my heart dog and I would have done almost anything for him. He was able to be with me and my other dog who walked just fine. I'd take them to the local college on weekends early in the mornings when no on else was there and walk them around. Looking back, I'm so glad I did. It meant so much to him to still be part of the family in every way even though physically it was difficult. I have no regrets.
Being with you and walking with you even for very short distances is still important to them. I know you'll do the best you can.
Last edited by marino760; 07-05-2017 at 07:14 AM..
Thanks for the responses. I thought about strapping Ringo to my chest but he's 18 lbs. I also thought about a stroller and maybe that is where we are headed. I didn't know if Ringo would enjoy it because he likes to sniff every leaf and blade of grass but perhaps he's to the point where he would. He could walk a bit - then ride.
This is probably a silly question, but is he on arthritis medication? It can make a world of difference. I would discuss this huge change in exercise pattern with your vet either wary. It really isn't normal to have that big a change so fast.
It probably isn't fast to some, but it sounds very noticeable to YOU, so I would push the vet for further testing, or medication. At this point it sounds like Ringos quality of life is changing. He can't say so, but you are saying it clearly.
Not meaning this as alarm, but just as a backup to your instinct. He sounds like a blast!
I adopted a 10+ year old little red dog to be my walking companion but soon found I walked farther than him. I can't carry a 22 pound dog so I got a free used child stroller with a seat that lays flat. He likes to start walks riding and get out to sniff/pee in new and interesting places.
I will see about arthritis; perhaps he does need some medication. He's been on a low dose of steroids all summer (skin allergies) but that is normal for him. I will call the Vet today.
It's not just me noticing things - today Lucy (the yorkie) went straight for Ringo's food bowl (Ringo was slow getting to it) and growled at him to keep away. And it was HIS bowl!
I've always fed him first and in the kitchen. I put his down then walk into the dining room and put Lucy's down. It's worked for 11 years now with no fuss.
I think Lucy wants to be Top Dog. Poor Ringo, he's always ruled the roost!
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