Enhancing the Golden Years of Your Aging Dog
This past year has been marked with both joy and heartache. The most difficult part of loving Labradors—and dogs of any kind—is the inevitable goodbye that comes with time. We’ve endured the loss of an elderly companion, and at present, we are caring for two of our beloved seniors: Tula (13) and Cave (10).
Having raised Labradors for more than 23 years, we’ve walked this road many times. Our families who’ve welcomed CaveInn puppies over the years are now beginning to share with us the bittersweet news of saying goodbye to their own aging dogs. While it’s never easy, many of them return when their hearts are ready, choosing to bring a new puppy home. It’s deeply moving to see love carry forward into the next generation, and to know that our Labs have left such an imprint on their lives.
Making the Golden Years Shine
Tula’s acupuncture treatment
We believe every stage of a Labrador’s life is precious, but there’s something profoundly tender about the senior years. Our goal is always to extend their lives—not just in years, but in quality. Comfort, dignity, and joy guide our care.
For Tula, this has recently meant acupuncture treatments. At 13, her organs remain strong, her spirit is bright, and she still enjoys her days. We chose this route as a gentle, supportive way to keep her pain-free and mobile. It’s our first experience with acupuncture for a dog, and we are grateful to have a veterinarian who offers this option. We’ve already seen encouraging signs that it’s helping her stay comfortable, which makes all the difference.
Other Ways We Support Our Seniors
Every dog is unique, but here are a few ways we nurture our elders through their golden years:
Diet & Nutrition: Adjusting food to match their aging needs—often lower calorie, joint-supportive, and easily digestible.
Supplements: Glucosamine, fish oil, and NuVet have been part of our routine for joint health and inflammation.
Gentle Exercise: Walks at their own pace, swimming when possible, and playtime adapted to their energy level.
Comfortable Spaces: Orthopedic dog beds, non-slip mats, and ramps where needed help them move safely and rest well.
Routine Checkups: Frequent vet visits ensure we catch changes early and adjust care as needed.
The Heart of It All
What we’ve learned over the years is that senior dogs teach us about patience, gratitude, and unconditional love. They may move slower, but their wisdom and companionship deepen with age. Tula and Cave remind us every day that the little things—a nap in the sun, a soft pat on the head, a shared walk—are what matter most.
We treasure this stage, even as it is laced with the knowledge of its fragility. To love a dog is to embrace the whole journey: the lively puppy days, the strong adult years, and the gentle twilight chapter.
And when the time comes, we grieve deeply, but we also celebrate the privilege of having been their family.
