I walked into the dog room late yesterday morning and saw this pair of "golden oldies" sleeping side by side. That's blind Madison on the left and blind Cedar on the right. We don't know their exact ages -- we rarely do in this business -- but we think both are at least 12 or older. Madison was already very much a senior when she came to us a couple of years ago; Cedar has been with us for seven or eight years, and he was no spring chicken when he arrived.
Both are in that geriatric "daffy" stage, where they get easily confused by their surroundings and aren't always sure what they should do. Cedar is almost completely deaf now. Madison can hear at close range, but she can't get a fix on the sound ... so she spins in circles trying to figure out where the sound is coming from. Thus there's no sense in calling these two when they're outside -- you have to go get them!
But they are still healthy, happy and continue to get very excited at mealtime -- all good signs for a few more golden years, we hope!
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Makes me miss mine! I had to give them up when I moved across country last year!
Posted by: Sara | October 15, 2011 at 02:47 PM
I want to thank you so much for posting about your golden oldies. Just a few weeks a go I had to put my senior Lab/retriever to sleep. After years of struggling with cancer, it was more than her body could handle. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I have been reading your blog for years and it really helped me cope with her death. I love seeing your oldies and although they get disoriented and don't see or hear like they used to, their love for life is so great to see!!
Posted by: Kins | May 09, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Oh, how I can identify with this post! I'm severely hearing impaired -- partly from birth and partly from age -- and I can SO relate to Madison's spinning around trying to locate the sound! I had a deaf white cat years ago that arrived on my doorstep as a stray. I think I talked to that boy more than all my cats put together.
Posted by: Sarah Prodell | April 14, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Beautiful story! We all hope thata in our "golden years" to be cared for so lovingly. It warms the heart to know there are angels watching out for these two. Hugs, kisses, and an extra dog treat to the golden oldies!
Posted by: Bev | April 14, 2011 at 08:25 AM
Jeez, that should have read "deaf dog."
I shudder to think what Freud would make of that.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 11, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Your post made me laugh. I've got two senior dogs, both partially deaf. I still slip up and yell for them to come back in and then think, "How dumb are you for yelling at a deaf dong?" LOL
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 09, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Beautiful. All of it.
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | April 08, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Thank you for sharing this picture of Cedar and Madison. This shows the pure contentment of these 2 "golden oldie" friends.
Posted by: Ann | April 08, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Nice to see Cedar again, I still giggle when I see him remembering the post when the dogs were being loaded up for the trip east and Alayne had a word or 2 with Cedar about not peeing on the transport vehicle. hee hee hee, Must admit, it was a nice BIG thing to aim for.
Posted by: Anne in FL | April 08, 2011 at 02:29 PM
It delights me to see comfort in a cozy blankie, especially when shared by such sweethearts. May we all have such comfort and understanding care as we all age! Thanks for sharing. Sweet dreams C & M!
Posted by: Margaret | April 08, 2011 at 11:22 AM
These 2 sweethearts look comfortable, peaceful and HAPPY - the status quo at RDR. Hope we will see them snoozing for a long time to come.
Posted by: Angela | April 08, 2011 at 11:11 AM
They look completely content - so great to see!
Posted by: Dawn | April 08, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Beautiful seniors!!!
Posted by: Colleen_TX & Kitty Andre | April 08, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Oh the peace and trust these two show sleeping peacefully together. What a lovely picture. I notice how often the blind and hard of hearing ones tend to sleep touching someone else. I remember a post long ago where you told how much Madison liked to go for rides on the 4 wheeler all around the MT ranch. I have loved her from when you got her. Bless you for taking such great care of all the old dogs and giving them that sense of peace and safety. Karma, goes around, comes around. Thank you Steve and Alayne.
Posted by: Anne in FL | April 08, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Until there's appetite, there's hope!;-)
Cedar and Madison look so peaceful... Just adorable! Is there anything sweeter, in the whole wide world, than an aging dog?:-)
Please give those two a huge Italian hug from me, will you?
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 08, 2011 at 02:24 AM
I must be a very old dog because I've been in that "daffy stage" for a long time now! This is a lovely portrait of two golden beauties. It's a rare treat to see Cedar, and Madison is just so darned cute! Thank you for this Friday post.
Posted by: Moon Rani | April 08, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Two TRULY awesome dogs--they are so special! LOVE THEM BOTH!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 07, 2011 at 11:38 PM
I'm about ready to curl up on the blankie with them! What a life! They are adorable.
Posted by: Leila - Washington | April 07, 2011 at 09:40 PM
I have a golden oldie also, except she's black. She's 14 and 1/2, my very first dog after a life of being indifferent towards dogs. Needless to say, she changed my life. Currently she's showing me how to age with grace.
Kisses to Madison and Cedar.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | April 07, 2011 at 09:07 PM
I hope I have a comfy blanket in a warm room when I get old and "daffy." This is the good life. Kisses on their little noses.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | April 07, 2011 at 08:44 PM
What a lovely photo of these two. Just can't beat the seniors! They are the best. Four of mine are also "double digits" and they too are in the mellow, daffy stage. They delight me everyday with their antics and I am honoured to be "owned" by them.
Posted by: Cathy Silvestro | April 07, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Sweet boys! Love them. Hey guys, it's okay to be in that "daffy stage".... you're at Rolling Dog Ranch! Life is really good there.
Posted by: Penny | April 07, 2011 at 06:07 PM