I was outside shoveling snow with my 8 year old dog.

[Grantuspeace]

I was working up a sweat and Schubert comes up, crouches and takes off running. It was a game of tag we used to play when he was a puppy. It was years since we played this game. I just lost it right there while wondering where those 8 years went. We played tag in the snow. He trampled snow all over where I just shoveled. He got a treat when we came inside. But I was the one who got the real treat tonight.

[backwoodsbob]

1. they know what we need better than we do

he's a beauty

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. What a beautiful pup, my dear Grantuspeace...

He sure knew what you both needed, didn't he?

He's a good boy!

Woof!

[Grantuspeace]

15. He did know what I needed!

[KT2000]

3. That is wonderful!

How sweet.

[xxqqqzme]

4. What a great dog

you have. Handsome too.

[Moostache]

5. Beautiful dog, thanks for sharing that (n/t)

[Divernan]

6. Bet he could use a nice massage for sore muscles.

It is sweet when older dogs have a second puppyhood, so to speak, but they may be stiff, just like we humans get, after unusual exercise. Found this advice on the web:
After the Workout
Dogs can get stiff, sore muscles after exercise too. But please resist from giving your pet human drugs. Aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen can cause serious problems for dogs, from intestinal bleeding to kidney or liver damage. Naproxen is highly toxic, even in small doses. Use comforting, gentle massage on sore muscles, and ask your veterinarian for one of the numerous safe and effective pain relievers for dogs.

Read more: Prep Your Dog to Work Out http://www.exceptionalcanine.com/blog/dog_work_out/index.html#.URTI-_Kcj0c#ixzz2KIce7WHG

[lunatica]

10. Treats with Glucosamine take care of ackes and pains associated with age

Just like it does in humans. My dogs got those treats and are quite active and playful well into old age.

[Grantuspeace]

16. Thanks for the tips.

He is my first dog. I have been learning as go along.

[In_The_Wind]

7. Great story.

It brings back fond memories of my loves, waiting just over the rainbow bridge.


I_T_W
[img][/img]

[LeftofObama]

8. What a beautiful dog!

Great pic. Give Schubert a big hug for me!

[Callalily]

9. Awwwwww . . .

and glad that you took the time to play!

[lunatica]

11. You two make a handsome pair

That was a wonderful story!

[RILib]

12. love you and your dog.

[socialindependocrat]

13. Developing communications between you and pet is important

We have a dog and four cats and each shows a different emphasis
on how they communicate and for what reasons

A look, a nudge with the nose, a different bark for passers-by and for someone on the property (for the dog)

The cats:
Walking in front of your feet to steer you in the right direction.
Carrying a sock from the hamper and dropping it when they get to you.
Different crys
Sitting in places and looking at you (to go out or for food)

I think, the more you figure out how to communicate the more
connected you are with your pet and the more rewarding the relationship.

I'm always amazed when I see the studies they've done with apes and sign language. They can finally get to know what they are actually thinking at any particular moment!

Have a great time with your pup!

[Honeycombe8]

14. Awwwwww. Brought a lump to my throat. Tempus fugit. nt

[zonkers]

17. Ah feel ya, brother. I salute your wiseness and

in-the-momentness.

[pipi_k]

18. There is no

love quite like that of a furry friend. Enjoy every single day...every minute...because they are gone all too soon.

My two girls are almost five. Lucy had been slowing down, not wanting to play much, etc. And she had gained weight.

Vet did a thyroid test and discovered she had hypothyroidism. We started meds and within a week Lucy was like a puppy.

In fact, she and her sister Nikki have turned into hellions again, just like they were when we first got them at the age of 10 months.

There are doggy toys and fur everywhere. I don't care. A happy home with dogs is a hundred times better than a spotless home without dogs.

[Skittles]

19. OMG WHAT A CUTIE PIE!!!

Schubert is pretty doggone cute too

[CrispyQ]

20. Scratches for your friend, Schubert!

He's a cutie!