8 years ago, after losing our long time labrador, Hubby and I entered back into dog ownership with logic and planning. We searched out breeds, we scoured the web for information and approached it with level heads.
We wanted to make a long term commitment, and make a good choice for the stage our family was at.
We had 2 young kids, and potentially more in the plan. We lived in the suburbs and wanted a dog we could ride bikes with, but one that could also fit into our car, or walk through town to grab a doggie ice cream cone in the summer (they DO make those you know)
We ended up with a Springer Spaniel. Perfect size, active but not insane.
Our pup (and his sister who we also got) came full of love, and a few problems along the way
Our male was in the vet surgery twice before his second birthday repairing torn ACL injuries. Our female went blind at age 5.
And not “cataract” blind, but “retinal eye disease” blind. Blind, blind, blind!
Our dogs, now age 8, still love a good romp in the woods, but equally enjoy curling up in front of the fire for hours on end. Tasty treats weaken their knees (even though they also widen their waist)
They are still considered “youthful” and we want to make sure that they stay that way. We provide them with regular activity and try to get them swimming as much as possible. Especially for our male, who because of the ACL surgery ended up with arthritis in his back end.
We also think more about what we are feeding them. We made a commitment to their health and well being 8 years ago and intend to see it through.
We recently switched our dogs to the Now Fresh, Grain Free Senior Recipe from Petcurean. Not only does it help our male with his arthritis and pain with the addition of Glucosamine in the food, it also helps our little ladies “chunky waist” with balanced proteins and fats to help manage weight.
But we are in for the long haul. Our pups keep us content and cozy, protect our flock of fowl and provide countless hours of entertainment to the kids. They force us to go for walks in the rain, and are a supportive ear to the kids when they need one.
And well worth the time, effort and dollars to keep them healthy.