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Friday, October 22, 2010

Dalmatian Senior Dog Celebrates Birthday

I was really moved yesterday to find out that it was our beloved Olivia's birthday. Olivia is a brown dalmatian. You may remember her from her entry in the "Show Us Your Tongue" Pet Photo Contest.

Olivia

Olivia is always smiling. She's one of the happiest dogs I have ever met, and there is good reason for it. She has a great life. I have often mentioned her owner, the dog obedience trainer Cyndy Wood, who also does public appearances sharing precious information for all dog lovers. She recently did a seminar on "How To Be A Better Senior Dog Parent," which I attended, since we too own a senior dalmatian mix. 

Olivia turned 14 years old yesterday!!! Quite an achievement for her breed, but what's even more impressive is this brown dalmatian's health. Olivia can't see well, something rather common for any dog her age. Cyndy has and still is taking measures inside her home to make it easier for Olivia to adopt to her reduced vision. Olivia is also a little stiff in the joints, also common, but overall, she's in superb health. There is no question in my mind, that this dalmatian is still enjoying every minute of her life. 

Cyndy has always kept her dalmatians on a great  diet. Her rule of thumb is: checking out the first five ingredients in the dog food and it it's fit for a human to eat, then buy it. Sometimes the "simple rules" are the ones that make the most sense and are easier to follow. Olivia's current health is a testament to that. Cyndy also put her girl on a good dog joint supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. She's the one who stressed the importance of glucosamine for dogs and recommended the dog supplements that we use on our eleven year old dalmatian mix, and I'm grateful for that too. The positive effects on our dog were visible within days. 

Sure, Olivia does suffer some from dog arthritis, but what dog wouldn't at that age? Overall, this senior dog is healthier than most dogs are at age ten. She is friendly, happy, social and full of energy. Her only problem is that on her birthday "somebody" had the great idea to give her a grooming session. I think she would have preferred extra dog treats or her favorite peanut butter, and I'll be sure to remind Cyndy next year on Olivia's birthday.

The birthday girl

Happy birthday Olivia, 

Twinkie and family

19 comments:

Cupcake said...

Happy Birthday, Olivia! You are so beautiful.

My Mind's Eye said...

Happy Happy B-day Olivia!!! You are just getting better with age...

Twinkie and Mom we tried to enter/support your hiney contest...we got a picture downloaded but then we got a message it was too large.
MOM and I are both technically challenged if we have to do anything advanced so we backed out of it.
Hugs to you all M&M

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy birthday to Olivia! She looks fabulous for 14!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a beaWOOty!

Happy Olivia Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Olivia is a beeootiful pup! Happy Barkday to hers!

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Doris Sturm said...

Happy Birthday, Olivia - you are a very pretty dog and a lucky one for having such a smart and caring mommy!

...and many mooooore .... I'm right behind you (I'll be 13 on Nov. 1st)

Love,
Gizzy :-)

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

Happy Birthday to Olivia. She's a very beautiful girl.

lotsa licks, LOla

Lorenza said...

Happy Birthday to Olivia!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Happy birthday to the happy girl Olivia - what a beautiful smile!!!Our senior resident will hit 12 in about a month. We cherish every day we have him with us. If we could only get him to give us a hint as to what he would really like to eat:(

Woos, the OP Pack

bichonpawz said...

What a beautiful and happy girl with such a great smile!!! 14 is fabulous!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

houndstooth said...

Happiest of Birthdays to Olivia! We know just how special those senior birthdays are here at our house!

Bunny

Neeko said...

Happy Birthday Beautiful Olivia!!!
Any many more ♫♫♫...

Smooches,
Neeko ♥

Oskar said...

Happy birthday to this beautiful girl!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

K9 Katastrophie said...

Happy Birfday!

Sagira said...

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happee Birthday Olivia
Snorts and Snuggle
Benny & Lily

LivrLovr said...

Thank you, thank you all! Twinkie, so sweet of you to speak so kindly of this elderly-in-years-but-not-in-spirit brown Dalmatian. I did have a lovely birthday - except the "spa" part, and thanks for reminding Mom about that for next year. Sheesh, I still don't get humans sometimes?!? And thank you to Twinkie-Fans for your kind words and birthday wishes. You all have great taste - you wouldn't be here on Twinkie's blog if you didn't, now would you?

Best wishes to you all!
Love, Olivia

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Wow, she does look fantastic for her age, happy birthday Olivia!

Waggles & Chi kisses, Chewy & Lilibell

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Twink, Mom has some questions on the joints supplements....is it okay to start giving the supplements to pups our age (2 1/2 and 3)? What brand did Olivia's Mom recommend? Mom is concerned about our joint health in our later years, especially with Lilibell's luxating patella, and wants to start possibly taking preventive measures now. Our Mom is always researching into the best possible stuff to keep us health for a very, very long time, that's why she recently switched our diets to dehydrated raw!

Thank you so much for your time!

Waggles & Chi kisses, Chewy & Lilibell

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