This is my Good Old Dog Willie. We've been family for over 14 and a half years now. Willie is aging well--active, good eater, even keeled. He's never sick, so only sees the vet for annual checkups and shots. As with many older dogs he's getting pretty lumpy-notice the large one on his shoulder. Last year the vet biopsied a lump on his hip and determined that it was malignant. At Willie's age I decided not to subject him to surgery, so we're just going along enjoying life. However, I watch and want to know as much as possible about caring for an older dog. That's why I was so glad to find Good Old Dog by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, my Teaser Tuesday book selection for this week.
Teaser Tuesday is described by its host Miz B over at Should be Reading as a "weekly bookish meme" open to any reader who wants to play along. If, like me, you're always curious about what people are reading or on the lookout for the next great read, then this may be your meme. If you want to play, just click on Miz B's link above for the very simple rules.
Good Old Dog
by Nicholas Dodman, BVMS
"But old age is not a disease. It is a stage of life. Yes, the older a dog, the more challenging the medical treatments. But, as they say, with age, what is lost on the swings is gained on the merry-go-round." p. 4
Book Description: As noted in the book's subtitle, Dr. Dodman and other faculty at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provide expert advice for keeping your aging dog happy, healthy and comfortable in this last stage of life. The book is organized around actual case studies of dogs treated by the veterinary faculty at Tufts. Each case study is then followed by commonsense, balanced background information so that you, as the pet owner, can make the right decisions for your dog. Some valuable chapter topics include: proper diet, common medical conditions and diseases in aging dogs, dementia, adapting the physical environment, and end-of-life decisions. In my case, I especially appreciated the descriptions of different cancers in dog, symptoms, and treatment options. It helped me know that I was doing right by Willie.
In the last year or two several friends have experienced the pleasure and pain of living with a good old dog. I wish I could have loaned them this book to ease the way. For myself, I've been lucky to have four great dogs--Zack, Frank, Dan, and now Willie--live to ripe old ages. Each of them has taught me valuable lessons about living well and growing old.
6 comments:
My dogs are not old now, but they will be one day. They are the new dogs after our Good Old Dogs were put to sleep. They told us when they were ready - but it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye.
I need to get a copy of this book - we do pretty well with old dogs that we've had a while, but may be inheriting a 14 year old dachsund in August - another good dog, but very old. She may not make it that far and the point would be moot - but just in case...
Oh, what a lovely comment on "aging" as just another version of life.
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That quote doesn't just apply to dogs, but people as well. Except, I get sick going in circles. I'm glad you found this book to help with this process and to appreciate the time you have left with him.
I like the Dodman books but haven't got the one you've been reading. Our two GSDs are rising 3 and 10. I've put the book on my to buy list.
Thanks for sharing this. I was just thinking about how quickly time does go, and since we adopted both of our pooches as adults, they are now middle-aged. I think I will need to look into this. Willie is quite cute, and it sounds like he has a great active life.
My dog had to have a biopsy last year, thankfully it was nothing to worry about, but it gave me a fright.
Thanks for telling us about this book, it sounds very useful.
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