Our Golden Years Together with Magnificent Seniors

Seniors Rocks!

I have to admit, my heart is soft for Senior dogs. Having had my foundation now since 1999 and working with rescuing animals (most dogs) I have met hundreds of wonderful Seniors. Yes, it is not for a very long time you get to keep them(years), however, the time seems in a way longer when you are together with them (time). If that makes any sense.

I have had to say good bye to many Seniors, but I have always been by their side. Always!

In my home I have right now eight (8) Seniors that I adore. I don't like traveling as much as I did earlier, even if I love traveling ;-) I cut down 50% with my travels. 

Instead I love laying reading and hearing their deep snoring next to me or on the floor on their own bed(s). How they wake up and takes the day with grande relaxing tempo, like the southern Italian dogs they are (ok one American). And....their love is priceless, their deepness in their eyes when they look at you. They make you feel like a Hero!

This January we had to say good bye to one of our rescue dogs Jazz. For one year she had problems holding her bladder. I rolled away the carpets and mopping buckets on every floor. 

My husband growled a little. 

I looked at him with a wrinkle between my eyes and said, "When you get old(er) and start to wet yourself, am I going to get ride of you too?"

I have a hard time understanding people who suddenly abandon their old friend just because he is old and smelly. It shows me their (people) evaluation about becoming old.

My heart become warm when I read about more and more Senior Sanctuaries are opening, and .....that so many more people dare to adopt a Senior.

That's Amore!

A WONDERFUL SOUL LEFT US TODAY

Today at 12.53 we lost beautiful soul. Kiki Maus  RIP

I was never scared of adopting a senior dog, quite the opposite. I saw so much more coming out of it. The maturity, calmness and peacefulness of an older dog, I found so appealing.

Kiki was a hospice client. When she came to us, it was love at the first sight, we all loved that dog with the longest ears and legs. She was fast on those legs when she put her nose down to the ground and ran in circles in the garden. Kiki was 14 years old when she arrived, and had been on a short chain most of those years. She was an Italian Hound dog, with a long, slim nose and a long, seal-like neck. One day at the hospice a terrible accident had happened with her, and I couldn’t forgive myself. I rushed her to Dr. Damiani’s office where a long surgery had to be conducted immediately. I whispered in Kiki’s ear that when she survived, she would come home to me.

Four years of friendship and love she gave to me, this amazing girl. With the strongest heart and an attitude as being Margret Thatcher, she gracefully mingled around my other dogs. Kind and gentle to all, and all respected and seemed to love her dearly. Our Kiki Maus.

Some say it’s a short time to adopt a senior dog. For us the quality time was long, that is why it was easier to let her go.
Would I turn down a friendship because I know we wouldn’t see each other forever? Traveling and living 4 years here and some years there, would I turn down a new friendship since I know I won’t live there forever?
Memories and time are equal with the love that comes out of everyone’s heart. If you don’t dare to love and invest, so scared to lose and be sad, then you are afraid for your own love.

Kiki my wise woman, I thank you for these beautiful 4 years, you are my light and my wisdom. Go in peace and tell them across the Rainbow Bridge, that we are doing our best to be able to love as much as you do.

The power of unconditional love.

When my wonderful veterinarian Dr. Martina came, you hadn’t been up on your legs since last night. With your wise eyes you looked at us, wagged your tail and lifted your leg for a last belly rub. I cried and smiled at the same time, I hugged you, I kissed you and told you to run quickly over to the other side. Go now!

I could feel your joy, and excitement to be totally free. At 12.53 this afternoon, your heart stopped, but my heart will forever go on for you, my Kiki Maus. I love you so.

Shiloh spent the last weeks sleeping together with Kiki, seemingly guarding her and making sure she was okay through the nights. This afternoon Shiloh has been guarding her from the pack. She growls, she jumps out at the other dogs to stay away. She doesn’t want anything to happen to her friend. And, as she had done when our dear Labrador “Ranger” died tragically in 2007, she lovingly pushed the blanket around Kiki with her nose, as if tucking her in for her body’s long slumber.

That’s Amore!

Mia Mattsson Mercer

CEO/AWL