It’s another birthday day at our house. My rotti-lab mix is 12 years old today. Cami’s been with me since my sophomore year in college. What a wonderful soul to have traveled with me through so many different stages in life!

She’s patient and loving. She’s the smartest dog I’ve ever known. Of course, she knows it.

Cami’s doing ok for an old, large breed dog. I’ve been really lucky. Aside from getting lost for 3 days…and the time she ate everything in my make-up bag (including about 60 Tylenol)… she has never given me any trouble. And, in all kinds of aspects, she is my first child. We’ve grown and learned together.

She’s having a few health problems now. It all just started since the first of the year. She has a hard growth on one of her back leg joints. It’s not bothering her, but it’s something that is being watched. Her bloodwork is pretty normal for an old dog. She started steriods and painkillers for her arthritis a couple of months ago. We’ve added a Pepcid regiment now, too….cause the steriods make her tummy sour.

Pilling twice a day has been going smoothly to begin with…but now she’s figured out all the games. At least one of the two “pillings” get shoved down her throat. She doesn’t want pill pockets, or breadballs, or cheese, or peanut butter…or hamburger… and the wet food she’s picking through watching for the tablets. It’s a bit frustrating.

Yep. Wet food. Ugg.. She’s never been a picky eater, but she started that a couple of weeks ago. Won’t eat her dry food. Stopped eating her food completely- to the point where she needs something in her belly. She’s too old to play the “who is stronger” game. I tell my customers that have picky dogs that we are all just “well-trained owners.” I never have had to play that game with Cami. And now- since she’s old and doesn’t feel 100% — I’m feeding her whatever she’ll eat. Cause it’s needful.

Anyway. We’re getting through each day one at time. She’s still happy. She’s still mobile. She’s still loving and excited to see us…and to be around the family. She’s the best dog ever.

And today she’s 12 (84 in dog years)

Happy Birthday, my Cami-girl! I love you.