Cherishing Life With a Senior Dog - Tips for Staying Present

Staying present can be challenging when you're faced with the uncertainty of the future, especially when we share our lives with a beloved senior pup.  At the time of me writing this Bella, the light of my life, is 16.5 years old.  

Tyra, my first hospice dog, was actually the one who taught me this lesson many years ago.  When I got her she had a life ending disease and her prognosis was grim at only a few weeks to live. I was spending a lot of time worrying about when the end would come, how it would come and how sad I would be. I realized that this constant worry was stealing the time we did have, the time where she was still feeling well and enjoying her life. I had also come to the realization that as much as her vet was trying to prepare me for what was to come, their prognosis was a guess.  Tyra made it a full year and in great shape up until the very end. I enjoyed everything with her so much that it seemed to multiply the time I had with her. By the time our adventure was over it felt like I had her a life time with her and yet it was only a year. 

Staying present sounds easy but for me it's a constant practice.  Over my time with Tyra, Dorthy and now Bella I have developed quite a few practices I use to help me stay present.

1. Mindful Breathing: When worries about the future start to creep in, take a few deep breaths. Focus on the rise and fall of your breath, allowing it to anchor you in the present moment. Remind yourself that right now, your pup is with you, and that’s what matters.  One specific breathing technique I use is 4-7-8 breathing, If you have never tried it I found a video that explains it and shows you how to do it, you can watch that here.  Mindful breathing is a simple practice that can help bring you into the present moment. However, if you have any health concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting new relaxation techniques.

2. Create a Gratitude Practice: Each day, take a moment to reflect on something you’re grateful for with your precious pup—whether it’s a wagging tail when they see you, a sweet cuddle, or simply the fact that they are still here. This can help shift your focus from fear to appreciation.  I have a notebook I keep on my night stand and write in it daily, not only about Bella but other things in life too.

3. Engage Fully in Activities: Whether you’re on a walk with your dog, feeding them, or just sitting together, try to be fully present in those activities. Notice the details—the way they sniff the air, the softness of their fur, or the sound of their paws on the ground. Engaging your senses can keep you in the moment.  I always am phone free on our walks and I think it really makes a difference in our time together.

4. Limit “What-If” Thinking: When your mind starts to spiral into “what if” scenarios, gently remind yourself that the future is unknown and out of your control. Instead, bring your attention back to what’s happening now and what you can control, like making your senior pup's day as joyful as possible.  

5. Document the Moments: Consider keeping a daily journal or photo diary of your time with your pup. This practice not only helps you stay present by capturing small, meaningful moments but also creates a beautiful record to look back on.  

6. Practice Self-Compassion: It’s natural to feel fear about the future, so be kind to yourself when those feelings arise. Acknowledge them without judgment, and then gently guide your focus back to the present.

7. Set Small, Daily Intentions: Each morning, set an intention to enjoy a specific activity with your treasured senior that day. It could be something simple, like giving them extra belly rubs or enjoying a quiet moment together. This gives you something positive to focus on.  Focused one on one time with Bella is always a priority for me!  It's so important I even schedule it in my calendar!

 Life with a senior dog is filled with both love and heartache, but by staying present, I’m able to focus on the joy Bella brings me every day. These techniques help me stay grounded, reminding me to cherish the small moments and make the most of our time together. If you’re on a similar journey with your senior pup, I hope these practices bring you some comfort and help you create beautiful memories in the here and now.

What ways do you stay present with your pup?  Let me know in the comments!