The aging process includes more than anticipated when young and in your 50's
My last labrador entered my life when I was a youngster of 62. A couple years we found a companion for her. As they aged, I aged with them. They developed osteoarthritis in their joints as I did. Long distance bike riding replaced long walks and running. Mellow two mile walks with the dogs soon became a walk around as that was all they could handle. They couldn't handle summer summer heat or winter cold. Their lack of walking was taking a toll on me as well. I could ride dozens of miles, but I couldn't walk as well and oddly upper body strength was deteriorating (if you don't use it, you lose it). The blame for the loss of upper body strength was due to the lack of curling 75 pound dogs at the end of the leash. The dreaded end of life for my companions was scaring me both because of the loss of someone I totally loved, but also because what in the heck was I doing considering getting another dog at 76, especially an active labrador which is all I've had for decades. It was a tough dilemma.
Honestly after they passed, (both within 6 months of each other) it seemed unrealistic to adopt another dog. Well-intentioned friends suggested a practical solution, adopt an older dog, but neither I nor my husband wanted an older dog and its' possible baggage. After looking at the emptiness of our lives and listening to the ticking clock, we chose to do it again. We wanted the energy of a puppy-be careful of what you wish for.
Today I have an over-active 4 month old chocolate English labrador. She is as cute as cute can possibly be. We walk several times per day. She needs to burn off the energy. She's still a puppy and walking on a leash is confusing. She prefers dancing with the leash in her mouth. While getting better, I find that my upper body strength is improving. Perhaps my eyes are deceiving me but it appears that my upper arms are regaining tone. A month or two ago, walking to a neighbor's house was a problem thanks to collapsed arches and aching knees. Today I'm easily walking around the block with the puppy. My step count has quadrupled. My cognitive skills have sharpened. An animal behaviorist once told me that when working with, and walking my dog, I must study its' body language. I should never use a phone when walking. So, in order to anticipate what she's considering (since she considers fast and has minimal impulse control) I have to be equally alert while interpreting her body language. I also need to spend considerable time thinking about training strategies.
All things considered, bringing this adorable little bear into the family has had multiple positives for health, both physical and mental. She's funny, cuddly, and basically labadorable. However, sleep has been disrupted, my house is messier than desired, we've been stuck at home more than accustomed, but that all changes as she matures. I had an elderly aunt who really didn't like to get out. Her favorite exercise was pulling the arm of a slot machine on a cruise, but she had a shitzu. The dog was a character and loved to walk and explore her world. She adored that dog and took it out several times per day, in all weather, and we were all certain he extended her life at least 10 years.
In another year we will probably get another dog, a companion for this one-it won't be a puppy, it will be a somewhat older rescue dog, but she'll train it to the ways of the house. I'll stare in the mirror before I do and say, what are you thinking getting a second dog at the age of 77? Then I'll either head out for another walk with this dog or another 30 miles on the bike. It would be so easy to sit around and read and watch tv or visit with friends over lunch, but for me that would be boring and unhealthy.
*My sister, Carol, is a true dog lover as is her husband. I have witnessed their love and can guarantee all of you that these are the luckiest dogs on the planet.