Walter, Walter, Walter!!

We’ve had quite the scare of late with Walter. He’s not a young guy and has never been expressive; yet when he all but stopped eating and started spending more time on a pillow in a corner something seemed off. Trip to the vet showed he was down over 10 lbs over the last six months!! He’s consistently been a couple pounds on the high side but down 10+ was considerably too much. For a time I thought we might be looking at planning a farewell for the third time in 2012. I dreaded the thought. 
Walter napping on Summer Vacation (note–real grass!!)
Couple of scripts and a few weeks later and he’s a new guy. Already regained half his weight loss and all of his personality. He again shoves he way through doorways to get to the car, outside or a meal. Feels as if we’ve stiff armed the inevitable for another stretch of time. 
Back in The Day of Pre-Grey!
We’re unsure exactly of Walter’s age; he was taken in best guess at between 3-4 years old. That’d make him something around 12-13. An advanced age for a larger breed with a bit of a rough first few years. We retired him from his service work the latter part of last year. He had spent a few years providing great work for disadvantaged and abused children at Casa de los Ninos. It was tough to pull him away but his tolerance for 1/2 dozen kids under 3 pulling, petting, brushing, tugging and loving on him. It’s difficult to describe the good work done by Casa and the corresponding rewarding feeling both Walter and Ames felt. Walter would come home punchy and bouncy after his sessions and Amy reported routinely on the positive impact delivered by the volunteers. A difficult chapter to close yet something that Walter simply could no longer handle. 
One of Final Walks with Rosie 

Outdoor Dining at Dog Friendly ‘V’
Reluctantly we’re acknowledging the shifts in Walter’s needs. More sleep, shorter walks, 2x daily meds, time away from other pups. Fortunately we’re positioned to give him whatever he needs. Watching a pet decline is an eye opening exercise in our own frail morality. Every day is an opportunity to not be wasted and the next few days are filled with back-to-back fun!
AniMal