A Heartwarming Animal Hospice Tale from Wally, a 14-Year-Old Senior Dog

A Heartwarming Animal Hospice Tale from Wally, a 14-Year-Old Senior Dog
By Christy Caplan | Writer, Blogger and Storyteller, Plus Many Other Attributes

Photo caption: "Hi, I'm Wally!" 14-year-old, Standard Doxie wearing my lucky St. Patrick’s Day bow tie.

I’m 14. Here’s how the day went. I, of course, started the day with a chicken-flavored birthday cake shaped like a squirrel. Yes, my mom actually found a dog cake bakery and had a custom squirrel cake made. Last year, it was in the shape of a rabbit. Both my bro, Herschel, and I had slices for our “silly breakfast”. So next on the agenda was being told how beautiful I look and that I needed to take all my medicine. Mom had a large smile to try and convince me how my meds make me feel much better and without them, I’d be a hot mess. What she really wanted to say was that the meds kept me alive every day. But that’s pretty depressing, so she skipped that part.

After meds, which always come delivered in American cheese, deli turkey, or cans of soft food, (it was all so delicious), I nap for like five minutes.

Then we were off for a senior birthday sniff walk. I go slow and take my time, and it's all wonderful, cause I’m allowed to sniff every blade of grass and lick all the puddles in the dirt, which mom thinks is gross.

The basic rules are sniff everything, pee everywhere and poop if it’s not pouring. The next rule is to make mom play “find it” by not moving an inch without a treat. Everyone loves this game.

Things I Ate This Week That I’m Not Supposed To, But I’m Old, So No One Really Cares Anymore

1. A dead bird under the bush that’s pokey
2. Rabbit poop
3. Herschel’s freeze-dried treats that make me have diarrhea
4. Dead Elder Box Beatles on the front porch
5. The stuffing from a toy that I have no interest in

I may be old, but I’m not dead.

Then, after all the treats on our walk, it’s time for a nap and some more meds with lunch.

Photo caption: Wally enjoying his senior dog years and being outdoors.

My Senior Years Rock

Sometimes, Mom says I sleep so soundly she has to check to make sure I’m still breathing. My mom fears death but I do not. She quietly grieves, thinking about the days I won’t be as bright and hungry as I am today. I wish I could tell her that day is not today and since I live in the present, I’m not worried about when that day will come.

Oh, Mom Has Something To Say…

It was a gift to learn how to take care of senior dogs like Wally. Over my lifetime as a Certified Veterinary Technician, I’ve had the pleasure of caring for many senior dogs. Some of the dogs I’ve had the honor of living with end up in hospice, and many hang in there until they’re close to 15 or 16 years old.

In Walter’s case, I love writing up his daily medication schedule, which is long and I feel like there are days when I’m the only one who has the honor of caring for him - or perhaps I’m the only one I think that can do it correctly. This is ridiculous, of course, and offends my husband but I take great pride in this special role as his caregiver.

Before I started as a vet technician, I felt rather lost caring for senior animals and understanding what hospice care really meant for the pet caregiver and animal. It’s a privilege to be in this role.

It’s also a whole next level of care as the diseases and medications start to grow longer and the number of specialists seems to get more complicated.

Yet, loving Walter is the easy part through all of this. My cup runneth over when it comes to the amount of love I have for my two dogs and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for their furry muzzles. 💛

( Blog post banner: Photo courtesy of Christy Caplan - Christy holding Wally on a sandy beach being in the moment. )

About the Author: Christy Caplan Guest Blogger I'm a writer, earned media and marketing specialist, proofreader, editor, copywriter, blogger and storyteller. Throughout my career, I have developed and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies that elevate brand visibility and drive engagement. My experience includes managing digital content across platforms, overseeing the design and production of promotional materials and ensuring brand consistency in all public-facing communications. I've also booked clients on local morning shows and podcasts! I work with national publications/editors, trades, brands and experts on stories that educate gardeners, foodies, pet owners and even chicken keepers. I currently focus on sustainable agriculture, animal wellness, acreage life, fresh food and rural communities. Honored to be a finalist in the DWAA 2024 writing competition for my story on pancreatitis.