Depending on the animal, aging sets in at very different speeds and with varying degrees of visibility. In some, the aging process begins very quickly, while others age slowly. What always remains: it is up to us as animal lovers to adapt to the new circumstances. The needs of our beloved pets change as they age. It is a challenge to always do justice to our animal friends in all situations. Up to now, we have integrated the animals into our daily lives – now it is much more about integrating ourselves into their daily life.
Lost flexibility
I’m not referring to the muzzle of our seniors turning gray, but rather that they usually become less mobile. Their flexibility declines – and here I am not only talking about joint mobility, but also mental flexibility.
Most aging animals become more rigid
and need steadier support through consistent daily structures.
We, who love our animals, usually manage this well.
We are in constant connection with them and grow even closer during this life phase.
The confrontation with topics that were previously unknown to us begins, and we often become anxious and afraid of losing our pet.
The question of whether we will recognize “the moment” when it’s time to say goodbye becomes pressing.
Everyone interferes – unsolicited advice
Our neighbors talk to us
On walks we receive sympathetic looks or unsolicited advice.
Our friends may not understand that we keep restaurant visits very short or cancel meetings, “just” because our dog or cat is waiting at home and can no longer be left alone.
In the barn we are met with shaking heads, because we invest a lot in a horse that can no longer be ridden and – regardless of rain or snow – take it on walks on foot to still offer it a varied daily routine.
Everyone seems to know better, and the situation intensifies.
Our animals grow older, slower, may even begin to suffer from dementia, lose house training, become blind, deaf, or simply very relaxed.
The looks from our surroundings linger longer and even more (unsolicited) advice is given. Now we begin to doubt.
The comparison begins:
How is our life today with our gray muzzle compared to a few years ago?
Doubts arise: Does my dog still have a good quality of life despite shorter walks and declining activity, or our cat despite the absence of hunting gifts?
The race into the negative spiral begins.
We dare to ask our trusted veterinarian how she assesses the situation.
We hope for a clear statement from her.
The answer is usually not as simple as we had expected:
“Accept the age of your beloved pet. They will tell you when the time is right! Listen only to your animal and to yourself. Enjoy every day and the very special love that connects you.”
In my “Pain and Palliative Care” consultations, I deal daily with pet owners with geriatric companions.
It is particularly important to me that you dare to listen to your inner voice – and again to block out external influences.
I have already accompanied hundreds of pet owners on their journey with their seniors through their old days –
and never was the pet owner wrong when they managed to tune out the outside and listen only to their pet.
Accept, stay connected, and the little “nudge”
Our expectations of how our life with our seniors should look are crucial.
Imagine yourself at advanced age:
We too will reach a moment when we decide we can no longer hike.
We too gradually withdraw from physical activities and stresses
and slowly, but steadily shift our interests.
Naturally, it is important that we also give ourselves a small “nudge” from time to time, so we do not become too lethargic.
We also benefit from occupational therapy, senior gymnastics, adjusted nutrition, social contacts, doing a crossword to stay mentally fit, and as much time as possible outdoors in fresh air.
And of course, our loved ones can help us when motivation is lacking occasionally.
So let’s be the “next ones” for our animals.
The harmonious world and the decision
As long as the coexistence is harmonious for our seniors and us, our shared world is fitting.
That is the only world that needs to harmonize.
Neither the neighbor’s world
nor that of the preaching fellow walker
nor that of our stable buddies is decisive
But only the one in which you and your beloved animal live.
Until you look into your pet’s eyes and understand that the moment has come.
The moment to take the last journey together.
By then, you will have dispelled all doubts and know that truly only one being can decide when it is time to let go: your beloved gray muzzle itself.
