[November 19, 2024] Old dogs leave footprints on our souls. There is nothing better in our lives than your pet dogs, and our time with them are measured not by years on a calendar but by those times we are together. I grew up with pets and continue to have them as companions.
Dogs are especially adept at making their home wherever we are. It doesn’t matter to them whether we live in an expensive mansion or a rundown hut, sleep on the cold ground or in a soft bed, our loyal old friend will be with us, never judging, always beside us to protect and defend us against whatever may come. And they will protect us with their lives despite their advanced years.
I’ve owned a variety of pets during my lifetime: dogs, cats, horses, mice, hamsters, a rabbit, an owl, birds, and even a raccoon. They were all special. Their devotion to me and our mutual trust will never be forgotten. But the old dog is the closest we will ever get to the perfect companion, other than our spouse, of course.
We humans look for wealth and status, competition is our highest-stakes game. For our selfless dogs, their highest privilege is to be with us for the simple reason of their unparalleled devotion. And, while any human may turn against us, betray our trust and affection, traitorous to our cause, our dogs will never desert us.
An old dog is the best dog. They are always there with us, given there is no reason for them to run about and get lost or injured by another animal. My dog Bella, a Yellow Labrador, will be ten years old in just a few months (technically she’s a senior dog) and I can detect that she is slowing down and wants to be physically closer to my wife and I. In the bedroom she loves to snuggle between us, as if to let us know she will never leave our side. As a pup, she was most interested in playing with other dogs, less so today.
I too am aging. I have my own age-related struggles. With my new knee, I walk slower and more carefully. Bella quickly adapts to my pace, or with the walking pace of my neighbors who help me as I recover from surgery. Like all older dogs, her greatest desire is to be with my wife and me. She is a social animal, like we humans are, and that means she is most comfortable and fulfilled in the company of us humans.
I for one, look forward to our senior years. My wife and my dog are always here. And that makes my world a better place to be.
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One of the very best articles that Gen. Satterfield has written in a long time. I’m a dog person, yes,, but only those who have raised a good dog know the truly deep connection between humans and dogs, and then just a few of us will ever be so honored to have a close relationship that stands out to inform us of our stature in God’s eyes. Dogs are great. I would never be without my dog at my side.
Beautiful ode to our old dogs.
❤️ Proof that old dogs make our lives better. ❤️
This is why I’ve had dog companions all my life and ALWAYS will. Their total loyalty is God’s gift to mankind. There is no creature that gives so much and requires so little in return. That is the DOG, man’s best friend. This is the way of the human-canine bond, the strongest of the strongest. Thank you, Gen. Satterfield, you’ve made my day.
I love your appreciation of old dogs. Thank you, sir.
The human–canine bond is rooted in the domestication of the dog, which began occurring through their long-term association with hunter-gatherers more than 30,000–40,000 years ago. The earliest known relationship between dogs and humans is attested by the 1914 discovery of the Bonn–Oberkassel dog, who was buried alongside two humans in modern-day Oberkassel, Germany, approximately 15,000 years ago. For centuries, the phrase “man’s best friend” has commonly been used to refer to dogs, as they were the first species and the only large carnivore to have been domesticated. This companionship is most evident in Western countries, such as the United States, where 44% of households were found to be keeping at least one dog as a pet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93canine_bond
Old dogs do, indeed, leave footprints on our souls. As does my old dog. 🐶 I am a true lover of dogs and during my life, I’ve rescued six dogs from abusive owners. And I hope to save many many more. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for today’s blog post on my favorite subject. BTW, I’m surprised having a dog was not one of your Rules for a Good Life. Next version, please add this one. Ha Ha just a suggestion from little ole me.
“[And]Older dogs are better dogs for seniors to adopt than super active puppies who tend to chew and nip. (Most dogs are considered “seniors” when they reach age seven.) Adult dogs are typically already housetrained and well-socialized with people. Mature dogs also tend to be the calmest dogs, with more predictable behavior patterns. In addition, it’s wise to think about the life expectancy of different dogs and how likely it is that your pet will outlive you. Who will care for your dog if you aren’t around to do so?”
https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/good-dogs-for-seniors
Good advice for us older folks too.
As an old guy, I approve this message.
MY COMPANION IS AN OLD DOG.
It is hard to put into words my connection with my dog who is 16 and still greets me when I return home. His soul is still a puppy like when I picked him up that first day.
On occasion, Gen. Satterfield will write an article about dogs and, yes, we know he is especially fond of dogs. 🐕. I am too. For there is a special bond, similar to but different than with humans ❤️ We all need to take a step back and enjoy those times with them.
… so very true. Let us not get so wrapped up in earning a living and “pursuing” our dreams that we leave behind our best companion, our dog, and let us never ever betray the trust between us and our dogs, for there is no better bond/relationship. Dogs are the best. They will follow us to hell and back. OLD DOGS will be with us too in the afterlife because it is meant to be that way. My dog ‘Trigger’ Will be 13 years old next month and I, for one, cannot foresee my life without him. Old dogs are the best. They love us unconditionally. Period. Thank you, Gen. Satterfield, for your wonderful article on this relationship. 👍
Yes, and beautifully written.
We love our puppers.