Project 52: Week 16 - Seniors Aging Gracefully

It seems so unfair that our pets age quickly. In the blink of an eye, the puppies we couldn't wait to bring home are turning gray and struggling to walk the trails they once spent hours hiking regularly. This week's Project 52 theme is "Seniors: Aging Gracefully." There are many advantages to senior pets. They are less destructive, have less accidents, don't need much exercise, and are very loving! With an average life span of about 11 - 12 years, theoretically my golden retriever Izzy should be with me for another 7 or 8 years. But I also know anything can happen and each day I have with her is a blessing. So I try to remind myself to treasure every moment, to make time to do something fun and special with her daily. Because one day I won't have the opportunity to walk with her, throw her a tennis ball, go for a car ride and do all the other adventures she loves.

Since Izzy's not a senior dog, I photographed Lucy, a senior cat who I've known for many years. She's lost her hearing in the last couple of years. When I saw her recently, I noticed that her appetite isn't as good as it once was. But she's still her usual sociable self, talking to me from the moment I walk in the door until I sit down and start petting her. She's an easy cat to photograph as she'll follow her food anywhere! 

Looking at her food dish!

Mia is also getting up there in years. I'm not quite sure how old she is, but I've always loved her spunk. She runs down the hill with this adorable gallop, clearly a very happy girl to be running free! Lately, I've noticed how hard it is for her to sit down and get up, obviously her hips are arthritic. Sometimes she loses her balance and falls over, but it doesn't seem to faze her. She also has lost her hearing, but she'll follow a treat anywhere! Don't you just love that gray face!

Next up in the blog ring is Silver and Pixel Photography of San Juan Puerto Rico. Don't forget to click on all the links until you get back here!