Despite the age gap, these canine companions have a surprising amount in common – though require quite different management. Photo: Hayley Nicholls.
After years of living with senior dogs, last year we said goodbye to our old girl and suddenly found ourselves a one-dog household.
Our surviving senior, Bug – a grumpy 15-year-old shih tzu with a face to match his name – wasn’t himself after her passing. Our once-energetic pooch slowed down rapidly, becoming more quiet and withdrawn.
When we happened across Dora, a 12-week-old mini fox terrier cross shih tzu, I hoped that bringing her home would be just like that docuseries where pre-schoolers enter an old peoples’ home, breathing new life into its residents and suddenly all the 80-year-olds are tap dancing and running obstacle courses.
Snoozy, soft-natured and scared of her own shadow, we fell in love with Dora’s gentle soul.
However, the second her little paws hit the floor at home, she came out of her shell and revealed herself to in fact be bold, stubborn and secretly a snapping turtle.
Over the coming days, I came to realise the aforementioned documentary had not covered the behind-the-scenes challenges of managing individuals at both ends of the age spectrum.
Though ironically sharing many similar issues – dodgy teeth, sensitive stomachs and unruly natures – each dog needs unique care and considerations.
So, if you’re looking to add a puppy to your pensioner, here are my notes from the frontline…
Welcome to the ward: teeth, tablets and tailored care
Bug eats only soft food, soggy kibble for dinner and needs regular teeth cleans.
Dora eats only furniture, beloved children’s toys or human hands. She needs enrichment activities, teething chews and possibly an exorcism.
With poor eyesight and hearing, unfamiliar environments are stressful for the old man and he now needs anti-anxiety medication for outings. Joint supplements and the occasional anti-inflammatory also fill his pill box.
Medication schedules are equally important at the other end of the life cycle. Dora was effectively quarantined until fully vaccinated, with fortnightly worming and regular weigh-ins before treating her for ticks and other nasties.
Between behavioural management and pill popping, I’ve become a veterinary Nurse Ratchet.
Sleep through the night? Forget about it!
They don’t call them “fur babies” for nothing. When she first arrived, Dora woke every two hours for the toilet or a comforting nuzzle of my hand. Three days in, I was the one acting like an overtired toddler.
Similarly, the old man can’t go through the night without a toilet break. Although he can handle this mission solo, it does involve a vigorous head shake, jingle-jangle of his collar and the occasional outburst of barking at shadows.
Walking the dogs is like herding cats
Once a diligent follower, our senior’s declining eyesight means he now loses track of us easily and his deafness means there’s no point calling him. Off-lead adventures are off the table, as countless times I’ve found myself standing 3 m away yelling his name and waving my arms like I’m directing aircraft.
Meanwhile, Dora’s ancestors were literally bred to throw themselves down random holes without forethought. This is evident in her walking style.
They’re basically a slapstick comedy act
While they have discovered how to play together, their mismatched maturity levels inadvertently creates a classic comedy duo dynamic – the straight man and the comic.
As Dora screams around corners at breakneck speeds, somersaults over the old man and dive-rolls across the room, he stands immobile, unbothered and, potentially, completely unaware.
When the spirit of adventure seizes her, Dora climbs the couch to its highest peaks. For a moment she stands victorious, surveying her kingdom from above. Unfortunately, she then tends to happily walk directly off its end, plonking into the older gentleman’s bed below – behaviour he finds most undignified.
Safe space is a must have
Older dogs are great for socialising puppies, teaching manners and establishing order.
That said, supervision is essential at first and sometimes, so is intervention.
After staunchly ignoring the strange new addition for a day or two, our older gentleman began laying down the law.
Try to eat my food? No. Jump directly into my face without warning? We don’t do that. Hang from my tail like a caught fish? Absolutely not.
Mostly, Dora is learning. However, there are times when the furry toddler loses all self-control. In those moments, we have found “puppy jail” a useful solution – a safe space where she is separated whilst still in the room with us. Even a minute or two of jail time allows her to calm down, and saves our senior’s sanity.
These are cute but costly times
Lastly, I would be remiss not to flag the significant financial outlay – too easy to overlook when you’re gazing into literal puppy dog eyes.
There are a lot of “non-negotiable” costs to pet ownership – particularly at the start and (grab the tissues) towards the end.
Bug regularly racks up hundreds in dental work, whilst Dora has more enrichment toys than Petbarn. Be prepared for an expensive period.
Ultimately though, mixing the exuberance of youth with the calm of seniority is a beautiful blend, with each dog benefitting from the other’s company.
Like the documentary I envisioned through my rose-coloured glasses, it is heart-warming – if a little chaotic – entertainment.
