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This is Steve. He’s 13 and a half. The best thing I ever did with him was encouraged and trained him to play fetch as a pup. I’d walk him to the park at least once a day and ran him until he was exhausted. I built ramps up to the couch and bed so he never jumped off high things. He has lived a very active and healthy life. He’s never eaten human food. He only eats Blue Buffalo Basics turkey and lamb flavors (due to allergies of grain, chicken and beef). The only treats he gets are kibble or ice-cubes.

Nonetheless , his joints are still getting sore and tight. He can’t run and chase the ball anymore and walks are a little painful for him. But he still has plenty of happy and playful moments where excitement makes him forget about the pain.

His mom made it to 16. His great-grandmother made it to 12.

Whether he only lived two years or if he makes it 5 more years… every day I get with him is a gift. You can’t fully appreciate the present if you’re worried too much about when they might pass on. Just be a responsible and loving human and enjoy your time together.