My Big Puppy

Duchess is my Yellow Labrador Retriever who is 11 years old. She is a full blood registered dog, having been bred three times. The color of her "skin" parts, inside the mouth, ears, and bottoms of feet are a rare occurrence of pink.

This dog was my neighbor's pet for himself and his kids. My son had the pleasure of watching her grow up and getting to know her well.

In fact, my son is the only person that could console her when her master committed suicide! Sadly, she had to be given away, but she got the best owner she could have ~ my son!

In addition, Duchess is the most intelligent, well behaved animal I have ever seen in my life. She was trained very well for obedience! One word commands are all that she ever needs and she will obey every time, doing exactly what I want her to do.

"Dutch" grew up around kids, so she loves little ones. She is very, very loving and she will hug and kiss upon request, as well as NOT on request! That is how loving she is. Her kisses are big and wet too!

One funny characteristic about this amazing dog is the love that has grown between Duchess and my cats! I found out from her former master's kids that the ONE thing in the world that this dog HATED was cats, and when she came to live with us, there were two, then a third cat came later! The first time she ever saw them, she tried going after my one cat and about chewed the poor scared cat up! Needless to say, I taught her to tolerate the cats since they are my babies too. So she has acted like their mama!

Another hilarious characteristic about this Duchess of mine is that she loves snow and belly rubs! It is so much fun to watch her slam herself down wherever we are, to scratch her back all over the ground! She will lay down and roll over to get her belly rubbed while she moans in pure delight. I will stretch her arms and legs too and she almost falls asleep because she is relaxed!

Moreover, I love to see her make snow angel doggies! It is so funny when she falls in the snow and starts rubbing back and forth, as well as when she buries her pig-like nose in the snowdrifts! She will act JUST like a young puppy digging her nose way down in the snow and flipping her nose back up to make snow fly everywhere! Ha! Ha! She looks as if she is smiling too! Her nose sounds as if it is thumping when she sniffs the ground because of her nose shape.

Besides making me laugh and have fun, Duchess walks with me everyday, along with the two cats I have left. The one cat is white and the exact golden color that she is, so they LOOK alike, like they belong together. She now loves the cats and protects them!

So how do I profess my love for this big baby? By treating her the best that I possibly can. She is a special part of my family and I am grateful for her. She gives me love unconditionally, as I do her!

**Updates are below. Just scroll down the page so as to not miss what else is here! **

This winter Duchess has not slapped herself on her back in the snow to make snow angels. She walks about somewhat stiff from arthritis, just like me! I love this beautiful golden Labrador puppy girl. She is such a big baby. Smiles.

Her big green eyes, oh so beautiful. A golden brownish face with a smile that lights up her hazel eyes. She is absolutely ravishing. Pink pig-like nose, inside her mouth, and her eyes were lined in pink too.

Duchess Pleasant Valley is her registered name, but I call her my Big Puppy Girl, Duchess Ann, Best Dog in the Land, Dutch, Dutch-e-pooh, and in all probability other names I have forgotten. She is the best dog in the
land, exceedingly loyal and obedient.

**** Update January, 2009 ****
Duchess just had her number 12 birthday! She has had an almost fatal blockage of some kind in her breathing. Even the vet did not really know, then after about a year with symptoms of vomiting, sounding as if she was hoarse,and losing weight, she abruptly got well and now she is fine. I think she has something lodged in her lung. I thought she had died one night last fall and she was fine.I even called my son and told him, then when I went back outside, there she was walking around.

**** Update September 12, 2009 ****
How does one say good-bye to an animal that is a member of his family? How does one grieve the departure of his dearest friend? Life is full of ceaseless change, occasionally only positive it seems. Also, dying happens to be a different struggle. Death is so atrocious in every respect. With death comes pain, heartache for the living and the good-bye is forever. Despair is the given.

Duchess took her last breath on August 18th, 2009. She fought long and hard to stay alive and be so loving and kindhearted to anyone who knew her. Duchess was the best dog that I have ever known. I love her as much, if not more than some people I know. She pushed herself to stay alive and share herself with my family and I. Finally she had to let go, and she did once we let go of her.

Duchess was a Labrador Retriever, the most loved dog in America. She was the most loved dog in my neighborhood too. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her or being with her instantly loved her. She was a loving, cuddling lap puppy that only grew bigger and older. That pup in her came out loud and clear.

I have always made up little songs for my animals and kids both, so I had a special song-let, I call it, for Duchess and the family cat, Juju. They were the best of friends.

...Duchess and Juju, I love you two two
Juju and Duchess, I love you much-es!

Rest In Peace Duchess~ the best dog in the land!!

UPDATE FOR SEPT 2011:
It is such a WEIRD thing, but the girl of the dad who killed himself has been here! She read about the little puppy who used to be on her lap and she emailed me to tell me this: DUCHESS DIED ON THE BIRTHDAY OF HER ORIGINAL OWNER, the man who took his own life. WEIRD I SAY!!!

It has been 2 years and a couple of weeks since Duchess died on that hot, humid dog day in Aug...I have missed her more than words can say. I have not gotten any other animals either. We cannot afford to keep any properly with shots, spay, etc...I walk and remember our times together. I cherish the memories of all the animals I have let own me over the 38 years I had animals in my life. It is so sad and the tears come freely at times. I am truly blessed to have experienced her unconditional love.

Dogs age 7 times faster than humans. Good health care is necessary for an animal of any age, but it is vital for dogs getting up in years.

Above all, be on watch for any peculiar changes in an older dog including:

* unusual breathing
* skin or coat problems
* extreme thirst, dry nose
* not drinking or dehydration
* not eating or change in appetite
* urinating irregularities
* irritable disposition
* changes in bowel habits, diarrhea
* bleeding from the body
* watery, or draining eyes
* coughing, hacking, gagging, hoarseness
* malaise
* limping, dragging hind legs, strange walk
* difficulty going up or down stairs

Diseases to Watch for:

* Heart Disease
* Diabetes
* Cushings Disease
* Lung Disease
* Nervous System Diseases
* Kidney Disease
* Hypothyroidism [Disease of Thyroid]
* Arthritis Pain, Stiffness

Here's a list of things you can do to keep your dog in tip-top shape:

* Keep appointments for routine exams.
* Check stool if necessary.
* Get routine shots.
* Perform blood screens.
* Get regular X rays and other tests.
* Stay on top of medications and other treatments.
* Never allow them to eat human food.
* Rid the bed/box he uses of fleas.
* Bathe the pet; keep him clean.
* Brush the dog's fur regularly.
* Contact the vet.

Make life as comfortable as you can for your older dogs. This includes keeping them warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather, and keeping their resting places clean and comfortable. Also, make sure that fleas are not an issue by using Revolution or one of the other excellent dips available for dogs.

Above all, give your older dog attention and love. He will feel comfortable with familiar people and will trust his caretaker. Don't forget to play with the pet. Just because he is aging doesn't mean that he is not interested in his regular activities. Remember to slow the pace to coincide with his activity level. A dog can live a good life with love and proper care.