My sister and I have always had very different philosophies in how we view aging and death, which often used to lead to huge fights when we were younger because she would want to talk and plan for what would happen after various family member's deaths (she loves to plan for everything and her Google calendar, which she works on years in advance, would frighten you with its color coding and details). I, on the other hand, would essentially stick my fingers in my ear and go LA LA LA, STOP (metaphorically, but sometimes literally). But I do have to come to terms with the fact that dogs don't live as long as humans, no matter how much I wish they did.
I can never understand why people dump their dogs at shelters once they get old. I suppose when a lot of people get adorable little puppies they often don't think about how short a dog's life span is and how several years later they'll have to take care of a senior pug that will likely require more care and medical expenses. But I love senior pugs! That's when they're at their best - they're super sweet and love to nap and laze about. I think senior pugs are my spirit animals because I am by nature a lazy person who loves to eat and nap.
So since a pug Neverland doesn't exist (how awesome would that be?!), I'm looking forward to growing older with my pugs, both the ups and the downs.
I have been obsessing over your illustrations, which I found on Pinterest, for quite a while now. I just finally subscribed to your blog 5 minutes ago :) I just wanted to take a minute and tell you how much I appreciate your work and look forward to reading the stories that go with the illustrations. This being the first of the actual stories I have read, I have to say I think our lives are very similar. I have 2 pugs as well, one a lazy, cuddly, grey faced little old man who turned 9 last month and one very neurotic, pester-y, personal space invading 4-5 year old (shelter rescue, no exact age known) Every drawing I've seen is applicable to my life with these 2 fellas. Good to know I am truly not alone, and someone else is as lucky as I am! Also, this is the very first blog I have ever taken the time to subscribe to :)
ReplyDeleteLA LA LA,STOP and fingers in ears - my favorite defense against reality:)
ReplyDeleteI don't know many senior pugs (I don't know many pugs at all for that matter) but I would like to think my pug would stay a puppy for very long time... But you are absolutely right about unconditional love going both ways!
My first pug was 7 years old when I met and fell in love with her. They absolutely do find more time for love and snuggles as their energy wanes, and they stop wiggling so much. ;) I think this is true of all animals, including humans. Everyone gets better with age.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about the same thing with my Cocker Spaniel recently. He's turning 9 in October. I hope he's around for a long time!
ReplyDeleteI have adopted a senior pug who is no longer with us now... she was the most loving, adoring little dog and I adored her right back. I'm all for senior adoptions... they deserve it, just as you say.
ReplyDeleteYes, and yes again! I have the SWEETEST ~11 year old pug - rescue dog, and cancer survivor - he was in hospice with rescue for three years, and since he had no recurrence they listed him as adoptable again! I haven't made a decision that good since I adopted my first pug a few years previously. They are both loving and snuggly but my oldest dude - wow. He is just the snuggling CHAMP. So I'm a big believer in senior adoptions!
DeleteMy 3YO pug is already graying. I don't want to imagine him getting older, but I can't ever imagine giving him up just because he'll need that extra care and attention. He'll never be able to get rid of me!
ReplyDeleteumm...I can't believe people actually do this?!! A pet is a family member...duh. This is a little hard to comprehend--but my only reaction is that those people who give their senior dogs up, should probably not be pet owners. You're in it for the long haul--from poopy pads, to gray whiskers.
ReplyDeleteI lost my 13 year old JRT to cancer last year, we got a baby pug to keep my older pug Scooter company and to help heal our hearts. Scooter will be 8 years old in November, and he's got the grey hairs. I could not imagine someone parting with their dog just because they are old or sickly. Our dogs are family! Scooter is my baby, I could never give him up no matter what.
ReplyDeletewhen I think about how many precious pets are done this way, it literally makes me sick. I cannot imagine what would possess a person to be so incredibly selfish and heartless as to abandon their senior 'baby'. There is NOTHING in this world that I would give my Cooter up for! I have often thought, they will will probably have to bury me too when that time comes, my heart will be broken too much I'm afraid :'(
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