I've written several post on my little dog Darcie and her battles with aging and doggie dementia. As most of you regular readers know Darcie is 18 years old and shows many of the classic signs of dementia. Along with her declining cognitive function she has all the other trappings of advanced age. She can't see too well and has lost considerable hearing. She has hip problems and cervical spine problems and is under treatment for chronic pain.
But, along with all that she still recognizes us with a wag of the tail, is eating well, has control of her bowel and bladder and continues to brighten our days. We have had to adjust our lives around her schedule to a certain extent and she's with us at our annual winter training camp in Big Bend National Park in large part because we couldn't find anyone up to our standards that was willing to take care of her.
Admittedly, having a dog in a National Park is a pain. They are basically not welcome by the NPS. I can't really blame them that much. If anything the NPS over the years have made the parks too accommodating. The focus appears to have been on making them accessible to giant RVs as opposed to enhancing the wilderness experience.
The upshot of all this is that Darcie has had quite an experience. She has to be with one of us all the time and that means lots of walks around the campsite. She's also been to town to visit her friend Cedar on several occasions. She's even tried out some new food that she loves by the way. Her routine has changed dramatically on our trip.
Frankly, we were worried about this type of change. Would it add to her disorientation and confuse her or worse - would she get sick? We were worried she'd get too cold at night or get carried off by a Mountain Lion or hungry pack of Coyotes.
Well the exact opposite has occurred. This, perhaps last, camping trip has been therapeutic for her. She is up early ready for a walk around the camp. She's more affectionate and seems to enjoy our company more. She's alert to her surroundings, barking at the deer and neighbors and just generally enjoying herself. She's had more exercise and stimulation than she's had in a long time.
When you look at the treatment quidelines for dogs with Dementia there is always the recommendation for good diet and exercise. I think mental stimulation along with exercise may be helpful too. Darcie sure seems to be responding positively to a change of scene and routine. Sure Anipryl has its place but good old interaction and mental stimulation can't be overlooked.
I was doing a long bike ride with my buddy Mike yesterday. We did about four hours with over 5000 feet of climbing finishing on the ascent to the Chisos Basin. Mike and I have been having lots of conversations about our aging bodies and how we stay in shape as we get up there in years. I made a promise to myself that I would keep at it as long as possible.
Darcie sure is an inspiration to me as I see her heading out on her morning walk with Chris. I hope I'm going that strong when I'm her age.
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