08/03/2026
One day, you suddenly realise walks with your dog have become very leisurely. He has started to refuse to sit for treats. The dusting of "sugar" on his snout has become more pronounced. It tears at your heart when he has to make an extra effort to get up off the floor.
What do we do? How do we prepare for that day that has started to creep forward?
The truth is that nothing can prepare us for that day. All we can do is to prepare for what comes after. We make sure to store up memories, to lay by treasures that will give us some small comfort in the afterdays.
So take lots of photos. Close-ups of him looking up at you. Take a picture of his wiggly bum that he's shoved up to you for a scratchie.
Take a mental video of you rubbing paw balm into his toe beans.
Make a simple sketch of him napping.
Bury your head into his shoulder and drink in his funk.
Feed him treats a small piece at a time, whispering love and thanks with each bite.
Fill that last year with so much love and bonding that you will have plenty to hold on to in the afterdays.
Standing by You
Standing with You
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