13 and Strong!!

So It's October and recently Mason turned 13!! I cannot believe it, I rescued him at 9 months and now he is 13. I'm so grateful everyday for this strong, happy, healthy dog (that is like human) its unreal. Looking back over the years we have had some challenges and he made it through every single one of them. I try not to take that for granted though, as some family/friends have lost younger dogs through the years and it's been difficult. It makes you reflect on the time you have and might only have left with those best fur friends that seem to just about understand it all, at least that is how it seems.

From separation anxiety, chewing, torn ACL's, moving a few times and other life changes Mason did it, he conquered it all. Well. I guess I did too.. Considering some people just return animals to shelters instead of being there for the animal and making it through. If they are not a true danger to you or others, than it just takes patience and time and most of all LOVE. I think Mason knows by now, I love him, especially after he has chewed through so many materialistic items, ha ha! It is just that though, materialistic items that can be replaced, in most cases. A defenseless, selfless loving animal is so much more important.

So on his 13th birthday Mason rec'd toys, snacks, a special breakfast (eggs!) and why of course a steak for dinner! A bit much?? Some people might think so, but a true dog lover knows it is well deserved. From the day you take him/her home you don't know just how long you will have. You have to embrace it, cherish it and not take it for granted! Sometimes Mason drives me a little nutty but I think well one day you won't be here anymore and that nuttiness, that bark I will miss and it will break my heart, so I embrace it, laugh and cherish it. It is a two way street, we put up with some behavior sometimes, but they put up with us going to work, going out for fun and basically our schedules!

With Mason being a mutt, I can only hope I have many more years left with this dog that makes me laugh, think about how they see life so simply and the small things that entertain him. Like that small stuffed $1 animal from the store! Do you celebrate your Dog's birthday? Maybe with a cake, a fun outing?? If not, you should try it. I bet you would find humor in it and they of course would enjoy it.

I have had dogs all my life and in most cases have been very lucky to see them live through 15+. Remember, do your part to keep them healthy as well. Yearly shots, check for things like ticks, moles, bump etc. Spend the time that they deserve. Most people that meet Mason don't even realize he is 13, except for that grey distinguished gentleman beard LOL. His level of energy is outstanding and I hope it continues.

XOXO,
DOGOBSESSED

Road Tripping with your Pet

Ever take a road trip with your best fur friend? It's the greatest! Haven't done it? I highly suggest it. I recently took a road trip from NJ to OBX and brought along Mason. I was a bit nervous for him to be in the car for that long, but that's what bathroom breaks are for, right?! So off we go, AT 5AM.  I'm not sure about your dog, but Mason, well he is a BARKER, a loud one! At some point in time he tired himself out and calmed down a bit.

So here we are driving down 95 and Mason has his head out the window and the sun is shining now! Knowing how excited he gets for car rides, there is something to be said about this fun loving dog, hanging out the window, catching the breeze! The look on his face and the tail wagging completely had me question myself of "Why didn't I do this sooner?"  At least a longer true road trip. The furthest he has ever been is just an hour or so from his home. It was a long drive, but with dogs not telling time, before you know it to Mason we were at our vacation spot! 

It's unfortunate that dogs do not live that long as humans that is and a simple car ride, walk or playtime can make them feel like they have the best life in the world. So here I am driving, watching him and just giving me peace and happiness at this joyful dog out the window! What if life was that simple? We took a car ride, stuck our head out the window and just enjoyed the breeze?! Hmm, maybe we should try it sometime, these dogs seem to have it down pat! I see articles online where people create bucket lists for your pets and it includes a car ride to somewhere, this is pretty brilliant. The bucket list that is. However, I am lucky that at this time I am not there right now, so more car rides to come just for the heck of it.

Sometimes I think "Why is it that Mason is so willing and so happy to get in that car with me?" Well, my logic is that one- he's with me, we are together and two they might not have the slightest clue where they are going but they are out and about, out of the house! Mason is currently 12 and will be 13 in October, so I do not know how much time I have left with him, but I will tell you this I will own up to it that he is spoiled with lots of love, and whatever toys or snacks! Life is to short.

It's important I have noticed on these road trips. to have lots of water accessible, maybe a blanket to snuggle on and well you need SNACKS!  So next time you are traveling and if you are going to a safe place, think about if your pet can go with you. They will LOVE it. As long as they don't get car sick that is, LOL. However, I bet even with getting car sick, that little face hanging out the window, catching the breeze he/she will quickly get over that upset stomach!

xoxo,
DOGOBSESSED