Senior Dog Sanctuary Holds Hilarious Agility Competition for 'Old Friends' and It's So Sweet
Before my dogs began getting older, I had a very negative mindset about watching them age. I thought it would be nothing but sadness, but it's honestly been anything but! My oldest dog is 14 now, and although he's slowed down, there are still moments when he'll play and run just like he did as a young pup. He's still the sweetest, happiest guy, which is proof that love and care can help a dog live a long and healthy life.
Need any more proof? Just look at these adorable 'old friends' from this Tennessee dog sanctuary! The canine experts at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary know just how to make their residents feel spry and young, whether they're playing games or napping in the sun. On August 29, however, they put together a fun 'agility competition' for the old friends, and the spirit of competition brought out the best in all the competitors. The winner was genuinely impressive!
Congratulations, Angel! That was a well-deserved win if I ever saw one, but it looks like this sweet rescued dog is staying humble even amidst her stardom. Forget the gold crown--all she wants is a belly rub and a dog treat!
Related: Basset Hound's 'Short Stubby Legs' Steal the Show As She Navigates Agility Course
"Angel is like the elderly people you see that are out there still jogging," commented viewer @mcdoogie1104. LOL--you're not wrong! There can be a huge gap in activity levels between dogs of the same age, and it often has to do with exercising and keeping up with healthy habits over time. Those long legs certainly help in a jumping contest, too!
Most of the senior dogs at the animal sanctuary tried their best to jump over the hurdles, but Shelby, the Chihuahua mix, wanted nothing to do with their shenanigans. Fair enough! Everyone else at least tried to jump over the hurdle, and it made for an epic and adorable video.
Senior Dog Exercise
As this video showed viewers, older dogs are at different levels of physical health. They could be stiff and dealing with canine joint issues like arthritis, or they could keep up with the puppies when they have the zoomies.
It's still important for senior dogs to get daily walks and exercise, but your exact schedule may change as your pup's needs do. Typically, you can expect your aging dog to run less and sleep more, but there could still be moments when your four-legged friend may surprise you. After all, just because a dog is older doesn't mean they're any less excited to play and run!
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