Since few Bouvs live past 12 or 13 years, I find myself noticing little things, like how Dawg’s hindquarters shake when he first stands up after a nap. Or the way Dawg seems to be spending a lot more time sleeping these days. Or the fact that his “bad days” (days when his spine twists into a pretzel and makes him unable to stand) are coming more frequently.
I guess I’m trying to prepare myself for the day when Dawg won’t be underfoot and in the way any more. I don’t want to forget to enjoy his time with me now, but I can’t seem to stop thinking about the time to come. For awhile it looked like he might outlast me — that was a completely different worry, since he’s never known any other partner than me. But my health is holding steady, while his, very obviously, isn’t.
Some of the things he does for me can be done by a machine. But there’s no machine out there that can replace his companionship. I have a feeling this is my last service dog. The parting is just too hard…
Sentenced to life in the chair 
These years or months can be so hard. But you don’t know when it’s going to go south. We thought our previous dog, Cooper, would go “any day now” for over three years!. It was a long, hard time. Try to enjoy what you have is my advice!
I’m trying, but we have so much in common that it’s hard to ignore his decline.
L-(
Give him a couple of extra pats for me.
Done — thanks!