Spend more time with my dog

Hailey is showing more signs of her age. She obviously has uncomfortable/painful joints now, and I noticed recently that her right eye may have cataracts or glaucoma. I’ll have to make an appointment to find out.

She’ll soon be on Cosequin and whatever may be needed for her eye. But, you would never know she had a problem when she has to bark at the neighbor’s dog’s squeak toy.

She hates that thing, and I can understand why.

Teaching a Bad Dog New Tricks at ThisIBelieve.org

I believe in my dog. ...I strive to gain his level of happiness in the simplest of things. Like the way he approaches each meal with endless appreciation and even joy. While I struggle to decide what to eat from full cupboards and lament what I don’t have, he circles the floor, excitedly anticipating the very same meal, in the very same portion, at the very same time every day.

My dog is now getting her daily dose of vitamins and a supplement to help prevent and ease arthritis. Then I decided to mix in wet food with her dry food once a week.

I’m still trying to walk her when we can.

Bathing is also a must, especially with the summer.

If anything, I’m trying to have more contact, which then makes more time spent with her. It’s not easy having an outdoor dog; I really don’t find it as fulfilling. I’m sure neither does she.

I think I’ll give her a bath today…
She hasn’t had a bath in AGES.

Even before I moved into this house, I knew that I would miss my dog. She was indoor only, and now is always outdoors. It breaks my heart to hear her whine when she sees me thru the sliding doors.

I just wish there was the time to be with her. I wish she could be inside. I wish when I was outside, I wouldn’t have to worry about my leg or the sun – and that will never happen.

Walking her more often has helped, but it doesn’t feel enough. And, I know she’s not unhappy as often as I think she is. But, I have to figure out something for my own sake.

I told my fiance, when we have our own place, Hailey won’t be an outdoor dog as often. He’s not too happy about that, but he understands why.