jake’s foot

It doesn’t seem possible that Jake is getting older, but in a couple of weeks time he will have his 8th birthday. He’s still a puppy at heart, he hasn’t lost his passion for digging moles, rolling on his back (near cliff edges) or attempting to bark while carrying a blade of grass in his mouth!  However, it would be fair to say that he is contemplating his retirement. Most of my dogs slow down at his age then retire to a life under the kitchen table at about nine or ten, but Jake has made the move indoors a bit earlier than some of the others, albeit with good cause.

Over the last few months Jake has developed a limp in his front paw. Ann, one of our vets had a look at it, and could feel some arthritis in a joint on his toe. He’s now having various medication, but the toe is obviously still a little sore, so Jake is on light duties only at the moment, saving himself for rounding up the ducks at the displays.

When I said that he has moved indoors, I actually should have said that he has moved into my office. It seems to be his room of preference, and he amuses himself by sitting against the answer phone, which he manages to turn on and off, or if he’s lucky and leans on the right button, he can listen to the messages. What else would you expect from a dog who has spent his life playing the fool!!