Speck hasn’t been the topic of a blog post lately so I figured I’d share a photo of two of him. He’s so grumpy but he’s 15 years old. According to an age calculator, that translates to 76 human years, which isn’t ancient since he’s had such good care and treatment.
My first dachshund was a biter . . vicious little dog! Speck has always been a barker but had never bit anyone til he nipped Addie on the hand when they were here in June. He didn’t break the skin and I don’t think he even really scared her but the other day, we had someone over and I thought he and Speck had already gotten to know each other and Speck bit him. Thankfully he had on work boots and Speck only got his boots but . . it’s real hard to keep a biting dog as much traffic as we seem to have through here. Rita is so friendly. She’s happy to see the UPS guy, the neighbors, any workers who show up. She’s even happy to see the folks at the vet! She’s just a happy, fun little dog.
Speck is used to sitting in the recliner with me while I knit but the other night my back was hurting and I wasn’t sure that sitting in the recliner wasn’t making it worse so I brought in a dining room chair and was sitting beside the recliner and my lamp.
Speck
Speck could not figure out why I wasn’t sitting with him and he was determined he was going to sit in my lap. I got his sheet and covered him up and coaxed him into sitting in the chair by himself.
Speck
He wasn’t happy about sitting alone in the chair but he was tired enough that he eventually gave up the fight and went to sleep . . while I sat peacefully . . alone in my hard chair knitting!
Dottie N. says
Such a sweet boy…..It is hard when they get older. We have a 17-1/2 cat that is getting to where she has to sleep/lay on our laps all the time which makes it difficult to quilt, knit, “computer”.
glen in louisiana says
He is a beautiful dog. I always loved those colors on a doxie. Old dogs often have changes like that. Old and grumpy, I guess they have earned it!
Chloe the Smelly Basset is getting that way. She often tells you exactly what she thinks, and has definite ideas about how things should go. She fusses. We call her Queen Bee.
Jennifer in Indy says
Good to hear the update on Speck – we have a dog who is aging and has gotten more and more grumpy too, she snaps a little now and then, mostly when we surprise her. Glad that Speck has such a great home to live in for his senior years.
Rebecca in SoCal says
Aw, that’s nice that he (usually) has you to snuggle with in the evening.
That’s too bad about the biting…he must be feeling defensive because of his diminished capacities. Are those cataracts in his eyes, or just (I hope) a trick of lighting? Anyway, cute yawn pic!
Sherrill says
Yep, just like us humans, dogs and cats get grumpier as they age. Although my cat’s been ‘grumpy’ since he was about 3!!! And BITE! Ooo, he can bite..hence his name, Mr. Fang! 🙂 He’s 13 so getting up there like Speck. They’re lucky to have us. HA
Vicky says
I think a bit of grumpiness comes with old age. I know I’m getting grumpy!
It’s funny what dogs react to. The time Daisy snipped at you is the only time in her life she ever did that. I guess we just keep on loving them and taking care of them, and cherish the love.
Judy C in NC says
Thank you so much for the pictures as I had been missing him. Painful to see them when they get up in years. We had to make “that” decision last summer for our little Cairn Terrier, Casey girl, who was 16 years. She always enjoyed good health, had become a little blind and hard of hearing and slept a lot but then we noticed her roaming around the house lost – standing in corners – didn’t want any interaction or petting from us. She had Canine Cognitive Dysfunction which is Alzheimer’s in humans. So very sad. Every day becomes a blessing with our little furry friends, enjoy Speck all you can. Judy C
vicki says
Speck is so cute. I love doxies and have one currently named Chip. My previous one, Heidi, lived to almost 15 and she was always such a sweetie. But, as human seniors, when they just aren’t feeling great that day, they just don’t want to be bothered. Chip also wants to be right with me all the time. They are such snugglers and I think they feel they must take care of us. Enjoy your senior man! They are a treasure !!