Caccha's Labradors: Nash at 13 years old

      It is July 21st, and Nash is 13 years old. We go for a swim in Norway pond, the dogs are given beef bones, and I purchase a new bumper. After 13 years I have finally found a means to help swim with Nash. His constant vigilance in the water makes it near impossible to swim. If I keep him busy retrieving bumpers, while I swim, I can actually get a few strokes. The coordination required to toss a bumper, deflect a dog in rescue, and stay afloat is a challenge. At 13 Nash rides lower in the water. A weakened hide quarter struggles to keep the body afloat - especially during a rescue attempt. It may be time for the canine life jacket. This would put me at ease. The last thing I want to rescue my dog, in his attempt to rescue me!

      Not long ago, two or three years, did Willow first use the jacket for her swim. It puts things in perspective. Those memories still fresh on the mind float to consciousness, and recede in waves. Another autumn approaches, still Nash shows his lust for life, as he lusts after after his girls. His sweetheart, Pearl, keeps him young, and in motion. His daughter too, as she licks his face, and dances in circles around him.

      Changes are evident. Once a rambunctious boy, who charged up steep slopes in deep woodlands and fields, now watches in regal elegance, as his sweat heart takes charge. As if to say been there, done that. Is it all just a game to them? The constant desire to eradicate rodents and track a scent of deer, bear, bob cat, or coyote? In the moment, they feel alive, in charge, equipped with a hunger to devour life in all its splendor. As tendons stiffen, muscles flex slower, and bones begin to ache, the need to participate in the game isn't so important. Still, I witness a hint of longing. To age gracefully is something a dog does well.

In these senior years, he has become a different dog all together - I spend this time getting to know him in a new way. He requires help to get into the car, support up steep slopes, and at times in the water. I am OK with this, and so is he. At first, when weakness settle in, his reluctance was evident by his resistance. Now he accepts. I love my old boy, who at 11 years old sired his first litter of nine beautiful puppies. They are the most precious creatures I know.

Who knows what the future has in store, but until we get there, he receives the best care, and support, I am able to provide. In return he showers my world with love. It is because of Willow, his mother, I feel better prepared. She gave the greatest gift of all, insight to what lies ahead, and what is beyond.   Things Nash does not consider. He lives in the moment, and today he lounges on his porch, sniffs the air, greets visiting dogs, barks at smells on the wind, and pedestrians passing by. What could be better in life?

Nash at 13 years old - swims in Norway Pond

Nash: Through the Years

I skipped a few year, naturally I have photos of him in every year of his life, but here are just a few.

FIRST YEAR

Born 7/21/2000

9:30 AM

Nash in my lap: Minutes old.

He was the boy who almost didn't make it. My Friend, Nancy, assisted his birth. Stuck in the birth canal, he was pulled out. Limp, blue and nearly dead, all we could do was "plug him in". Nothing like mother's milk to provide life. He survived and thrived!