On Ageing

Hi, some of you might remember me from things I had written in the Melrose Mirror. I was sorry to see that close up; but writing for the Patch is good too.

For those of you that don't know me I have been in Melrose for 17 years and you probably have seen me doing my daily walks around the area. I am an 18 year old (that's 126 in human years) 12.4 pound Jack Russell Terrier, and my name is Casa.

My highest weight was 14.8 lbs. a few years ago. Now that I am older I have heard humans talk about losing body mass as they age; I guess it works the same for dogs. Some of you might know what I mean.

Don't think that I do not get enough to eat. My parent makes sure that I get roast beef in the morning, and chicken once or twice a day when she goes out. I have my dry food and water in my dishes all the time, although it is a little harder to chew the dry food. I also get some delicious moist food with rice in the evening. Snacks are always available; although I have never been given any human "junk" food.

A friend recently brought me some ice cream. Banana and peanut butter flavor; I really liked it. I hope my parent will go to the healthy store and get me some more sometime soon.

I still get my morning walks around 6 am. But the afternoon walks seem to tire me so they are usually a bit shorter.

I do get to Maine every few weeks but I mostly sleep now.

Another friend that used to stay with me can't come any more. She has passed away, as humans say. I really miss her. First it was my other parent and now my really good friend. I guess when you get older people just "pass away".

As for me I can't complain. I have been lucky to get such great parents after my coming to the United States from Puerto Rico. I was only one at the time so I guess I am doing o.k. at 18.

This is all I can write for now. I am getting tired and I need to lie down. I might write again if I feel up to it , but for now Via Con Dios.

Casa