Celebrating Senior Dogs

Every moment, every day, every year I learn something new from my wonderful pug Emmitt.

He not only inspires all of my artwork, but he is a wonderful teacher of joy and laughter.

Through each step of his life, he has been showing me how to enjoy and appreciate even the simplest things.

One of the greatest gifts he has given me is to set the example of how to rise above obstacles with grace, courage and even excitement.

Emmitt is happy and healthy and just turned 13 this month, on August 1st. This post is a big thank you to him as we enter the senior years of our journey together.


In recent months, it has become clear to me that Emmitt has been showing me another great lesson about life...

Aging is not scary or something to be feared. It is a beautiful time to appreciate and most importantly to fine tune your thoughts and actions about so that it feels good.

Journaling is an amazing way to speak from your heart even when you are not quite sure what the message is. Here is a journal I created over a year ago...

It was an old music book that I rescued and altered. I passed by it the other day and smiled when I looked at it and saw the cover for the first time really. "Tuning Up! Oh my gosh, yes we are!", I thought. We are fine tuning our attitudes, thoughts, beliefs and feelings about changes that are happening so that they are not scary or sad.

If Emmitt has an ache, I find him relief. We now have a wonderful friend, Ingrid, who is a dog massage therapist that comes to the house every Monday to rub out his knots.

If he shows signs of eye issues, we take him to the doctor and choose the best treatment to find him improvement.

Reaching for solutions, reaching for relief, not giving in to fear of change ~ That is my secret for happiness.

I have learned these lessons from Emmitt and apply it to my own life too. This new outlook on life brings me comfort and makes this journey exciting for me.

Our friend, Ingrid, recently gave us this wonderful book that celebrates senior dogs.

It is called Old Dogs are the Best Dogs and is filled with wonderful photos and stories of other dogs who are teaching the very same lesson that Emmitt is ...

A happy life is about appreciating and fine tuning. If something comes up, don't turn away and resist it, look at it, embrace it and find feelings of relief concerning it.

Dogs do not complain (even with silly hats on their heads). They appreciate life in every chapter.

In tune with this wonderful lesson, Emmitt has inspired me to paint this series of Senior Pugs this year.

Each face makes me smile. They have a softness and a knowing about them that show me that all is truly well!

Thank you Emmitt for 13 wonderful years and many, many more to come!