Enjoying the Moments

Howie has never been a consistent eater. We know this. And yet, since his diagnosis of kidney failure, we are extra aware of his good days and bad days. In addition to his other health issues, he appears to have a neck or back injury that occasionally causes him to limp. We have removed his collar and only use his harness now, to prevent him from pulling on the leash and aggravating his neck issue.

What we want most for Howie is for him to have as many good days as possible. This means giving him the opportunity to do things we know he enjoys, in the safest way we know. On Tuesday, Howie got to go to the dog park. (Naturally, I forgot to bring the camera.)

Howie meets Otis

It was a lovely, sunny day, and there were a number of other dogs in the small do area at the park. Howie had a chance to meet and sniff and run with other dogs, and explore until he was tired. For not quite an hour, I got to forget that he is 13 and in failing health. I got to watch his tail wag and his ears perk as he did what makes him happy.

And that’s what I’m going to hold on to. For as long as we can, we will give him those moments.

Hi there!- Howie, night one in our house, Feb 3, 2012