The Joys of Growing Together: What My Senior Dog Has Taught Me About Life
When I first brought Ember home, I couldn’t have imagined how much joy she would bring into my life. She was energetic, playful, and full of life. But now, as she enters her senior years, I find myself learning from her in ways I never expected.
When we first got Ember, I was 18 and had no idea what I was doing with my life (10 years later and I’m still no closer) but I knew that my life had changed for the better because Ember was now a part of it.
The past 10 years have gone by so fast, and I often find myself reminiscing on the times we have had together. I have some guilt over the time I have spent away working, but mostly I have great memories of our adventures together both locally and from our holidays to the New Forest.
Growing together has given me some beautiful lessons about life, love, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Living in the Present
There’s something so pure about the way senior dogs live in the moment. Whether it’s basking in the sun or finding comfort in a favourite spot on the sofa, Ember doesn’t worry about what happened yesterday or what’s to come tomorrow. She lives fully in the here and now, and it’s a reminder that life is meant to be experienced, not just planned.
Watching her find joy in the simplest things, like a treat or a belly rub, has taught me the importance of mindfulness and appreciating life as it is, not as I think it should be.
The Comfort of Routine
One of the greatest gifts that ageing has given Ember is a love of routine. She thrives on knowing what to expect such as her meals at certain times, her walks to enjoy lots of sniffs, and her naps in her favourite cosy spots.
These routines bring her comfort, and I’ve come to realise that they bring me comfort as well. Establishing routines in my own life has helped me feel more grounded, having these familiar patterns has brought a sense of stability in a world that’s often unpredictable.
Unconditional Love
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the power of unconditional love and that the bond we share has only grown stronger as the years pass. This deep, familiar love is one of the most beautiful aspects of growing older together.
It’s a beautiful reminder that love isn’t about what we can do or how we look, but about being there for each other, day after day. As she ages, I’ve come to realise that our bond is more about the quiet moments, the gentle touch, and the unconditional support we offer each other.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
As Ember has gotten older, I’ve noticed that her greatest moments of joy don’t come from big adventures or experiences. Instead, she finds happiness in the simplest things, a warm sunny spot by the window, a soft blanket to curl up on, or a walk around the fields.
It’s as though she’s discovered the secret to contentment: it’s not about seeking out something extraordinary, but about appreciating the small, quiet moments that life offers.
There’s a deep wisdom in the way older dogs embrace these small pleasures. They don’t need excitement or novelty to feel fulfilled. A simple routine, the comfort of familiarity, and the companionship of their loved ones are all they need to feel at peace.
This has reminded me that happiness isn’t always something we need to chase. It’s already around us, in the little things, like a walk with your dog.
Embracing the Pace of Life
As Ember has grown older, I’ve noticed a beautiful shift in her pace. She still has some energetic bursts of play and eager exploration, but she takes her time when she walks a little more now, savouring each sniff and each step.
This change in pace has been a quiet but powerful reminder for me to slow down, too. In a world that often encourages constant activity and achievement, it’s easy to feel like we must always be moving quickly, accomplishing more, or looking ahead to the next task.
But Ember has taught me that there is no rush. There’s something profoundly comforting about taking things one step at a time, enjoying the present moment without feeling the pressure to be somewhere else or doing something more.
Treasure Every Moment of Connection
As Ember gets older, I’ve come to realise just how precious our time together has become. The once busy, bustling days of puppyhood have given way to more tranquil moments, but those moments are just as special, if not more so.
Whether we’re sharing a quiet cuddle on the sofa, enjoying a slow walk around the fields, or simply sitting in the same room, each experience feels like a gift. Every glance, every touch, and every shared moment carries more weight now, more meaning, because I know that time goes by so fast.
What strikes me most is how these simple, everyday interactions, often taken for granted when dogs are younger, have become the moments I treasure the most. I’ve learned to savour our interactions and to appreciate the time we spend together in a deeper, more intentional way.
These lessons from my dog have encouraged me to look at life through a different lens. In a world that constantly promotes hustle culture, I’ve realised that some of the most profound moments happen when we slow down and enjoy what’s in front of us. Learning to find joy in everyday comforts has taught me to appreciate the things I already have, instead of always striving for more.
I’ve learned that contentment doesn’t come from seeking the next big thing, but from recognising and savouring the beauty in the here and now. And that, perhaps, is the greatest lesson of all: happiness doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be found in the simplicity of the present moment.
Taking time to be present with my dog, whether it’s during a leisurely stroll or simply sitting together in silence, has taught me that contentment doesn’t always come from busy schedules or grand accomplishments. Sometimes, the most fulfilling moments are the simplest ones.
