Recently I was sent another lovely book to review this time with photographs of old dogs. All the dogs in this book were labeled as “dogs of a certain age” = elderly. Most naturally reared dogs would not be considered old at some of these ages of the dogs in this book but none of them were or are naturally reared I am sad to say.
The title of the book, Old Faithful – Dogs of a Certain Age with photography by Pete Thorne, is awesome in its detail of each elderly canine face.
However, that said, the photographs are absolutely wonderful! The photographer definitely captured the essence of each dog. You can see some that have huge smiles on their old faces with teeth missing. Or eyes missing. Most had graying or fully gray muzzles. Some had tongues hanging out wrong. Other had weetness radiating out of the photograph from their eyes. The personalities were captured in these elegant yet simple photographs of aging canines.
Some dogs have precocious or sly looks on their faces – as only a canine carnivore predator can 🙂 While others have sad faces or faces that show they are ailing in some fashion. What was interesting is that ALL the dogs in the book had some ailment of some kind or another. I think we’ve come to accept that erroneous idea that since they are old they ought to be ailing in some fashion. That is not true, it is common certainly but it is not normal nor ought it to be an acceptable thing either.
One thing was absolutely certain, these dogs, every single last one of them are very or were very loved (some are deceased).
There are a variety of breeds both pure and mixed in the book from small Chihuahuas to Great Danes – I was SO thrilled to see a couple of very handsome Great Danes in the book of course!
Part of me really wanted to shout to the owners there is a more excellent way of caring for them proactively but then that wasn’t the purpose of this book review. I also know that many people are uncomfortable having their accepted way of doing things and their beliefs challenged so boldly. I hope though one day for the dogs sakes, that changes.
I think all of the dog lovers who read this blog will agree though, old dogs are a joy and a pleasure to have especially those that are naturally reared! Which means you will all enjoy this book also if not for the stories then for the photographs of every single beautiful aging face presented in it.
The crowning glory for me in this book was the very last page. It is the photograph of a Neapolitan Mastiff named Bubba and for a couple of seconds I imagined it was Shadrach. My husband did also. Bubba looks that much like our VERY special boy that this website and the original blog, Bark N Blog came into existence as a result. We were blessed to know him and have him grace our home from age four months until he took his last breath at nearly twelve years of age.
So for me, this book is worth the investment to have the reminder that an old dog is a gift and to treasure that gift because you don’t know how large a hole they leave in your heart until they are gone.
I dedicate this blog post to the memories of my two old guys who forever changed my life and led me in the direction to fulfill my dreams, Fridge and Shadrach.
Until next time…
Have a pawsitively tail wagging’, NATUROPATHICALLY healthy day!
Kim Bloomer, V.N.D., N.D. is an animal naturopath as well as being certified in small animal nutrition, with years of experience in animal wellness. Dr. Kim is a published author, writer, and blogger. Subscribe to her DOGgone Newsletter for updates or to her blog via email. Copyright ©2005-2024 Aspenbloom Pet Care, Dr. Kim Bloomer, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Author/Publisher. This article is intended to be educational. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified animal health professional. Dr. Kim Bloomer and Aspenbloom Pet Care, do not assume any legal responsibility for misuse of the products discussed in this article. The only essential oils referenced on this website are Young Living.
