My dog turns 8 in two weeks.
He likes to run, however at what point does he requirement to “retire”?
When I embraced my dog in 2007, I had marathon fever.
I was training to run in the Fargo Marathon that spring, as well as on my “long” runs of 10 miles or so I would fantasize about which dog I would adopt. I had my eyes on several.
Thinking about dogs took my mind off running, as well as I understood I wished to embrace a running buddy.
Ace was my man. He was a 1-year-old lab mix. Lean as well as in shape as well as full of pent-up energy.
I embraced him that March, as well as every morning my dog as well as I ran together for about an hour. It truly helped us type our bond as well as ultimately we were going on runs of 8, 10 as well as 15 miles. He joined the marathon training group I belonged to as well as he even labelled along on my very first 20-miler.
We were both young.
Ace is the type of dog who’s happy to run in the morning as well as then sleep the entire day. This was perfect when I worked 10-hour shifts at the regional newspaper. He’s always been the perfect dog for me. super lazy, yet likewise up for running.
Fast ahead seven years as well as Ace as well as I still run together, however not as far as well as not as fast. My dog has gotten older, yet I still feel so young.
He only needs a 20-minute walk every day to be content, as well as he’s tired if we run even three miles.
Sometimes his right knee gets a bit stiff, as well as sometimes his right shoulder likewise gets sore. I provide him great deals of massages.
My dog likes to run, however at what point does he requirement to “retire”?
Je ne sais pas.
This is a tough, emotional problem for me. Running is extremely much something that defines Ace as well as I. It seems dumb, however it’s our thing. Heck, I started a dog running business since of my dog.
If I can’t run with my finest friend, I’d rather not run at all.
We might stay with walking, which we likewise love.
I’ve talked to Ace’s vet about it, as well as she stated to stay with walking if I’m not sure. particularly if he seems stiff after a run, which he sometimes does.
I understand I’m not the only runner with a senior dog, so I believed I’d turn the concern to you:
Do you run with your senior dog?