The last couple of days have been a bit of a challenge for Al and me. Our little guy and partner in crime had to visit the Vet. Al and I know Bear is getting up in age and that dreaded day is on the horizon. So whenever he shows signs of illness, we immediately think the worst and break down with emotion.
Fortunately it turned out to be a minor ear infection. After a complete exam, medicine for his ear infection, refills for his heart condition, we get the awesome news, “He’s in great shape for a dog turning 14”.
Our recent camping trip to Crested Butte reminded us Bear is getting older and has physical limitations. Our hiking is curtailed due to his limitations, but we wouldn’t dream of leaving him behind. Thus, we arrange the plans of the day just as we did when the kids were young. As Al and I were sitting around the fire ring (devoid of fire due to fire ban/drought), we discuss the scenario. Al asks, “Um, what did we do when the youngens were 3 or 4 years of age?” I remind Al of strollers. No, no, oh no….I won’t be one of those crazy lady’s pushing their dog in a stroller. “Hey, how about a wagon?” I’ll only look “a little” crazy. I can deal with that!
Let the shopping begin…..Radio Flyer? Little Tykes? Oh, what kind of wagon would Bear like? Ya know, it’s his birthday present after all! We find the perfect garden wagon that collapses just like a stroller….great for traveling.
So how does Bear like his new wagon? I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. The way it works is identical to a young child. You let’m walk/run until they get too tired to go much further. In Bear’s case, a leg will usually start to give out. It’s not too bad when it’s a rear leg, but when it’s a front one, he biffs the pavement – face first into the ground. Poor guy. That’s when we know he’s getting tired and we put him in the wagon. If we don’t intervene, he’ll go until he drops, as well as the next day he is so sore he will have trouble getting up, moving, and doing his “business”. We don’t want that. So Bear, our royal highness, gets chauffeured around once he’s pooped out. (figuratively and literally)
Happy 14th Birthday, Bear. We love you!
Live Laugh RV 
what a cool idea! Bear is quite a handsome guy. we’ve yet to take our 3 year old black lab/beagle out camping, but are thinking maybe this fall when things are quieter to try it out. life is always an adventure with pups 🙂
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These cute little guys do change things up a bit. Thanks for stopping!
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Go Bear! He’s really diggin’ that wagon! Great idea. Good to see him still able to get out there and have fun.
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I’m glad we found a way to keep him out on the trail longer….that nose never stops!
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Bear just loves to go “bye-bye” and we wouldn’t dream of leaving him behind. So we had to come up with a way to prolong walks. That nose of his never stops 🙂
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Poor Bear! I completely relate to how y’all feel. It’s so tough to watch our canine pals age. Hopefully, Bear will be around for many years to come. I love the wagon! It was a great idea.
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So sweet of ya’ll to care for the geriatric canine!
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Ah…..geriatric….believe we are all heading in that direction…..lol….Bear just sooner than his caregivers!
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Bear’s birthday present is awesome! He still gets to “see the sights” and enjoy the outdoors. Jerry and I are total dog lovers. Our “little girl” Arri (a minature dachshund) seems to be really enjoying our new full-time RV lifestyle, but even as a four-year-old we always know how short and precious a dog’s life span is.
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Oh, I love dachsies. Hubby and I each grew up with full size dachshunds. Bear is such a good traveler and loves to go “bye-bye”. We treasure our time with him. We’re still working on heading in that full-time direction. Thanks for stopping!
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Great idea and beautiful dog! We are torn because we love to hike in the national parks and are trying to see as many as we can but dogs are not allowed for the most part so we are reluctant to get a pooch. However, we would really love to have a dog. Decisions, decisions.
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Yes it’s a tough decision. We are aware of the National Park rules and thus have temporarily curtailed plans because of Bear. It will definitely be an adjustment not to have a furry friend around and we don’t look forward to that day.
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