Today Tally turned 15 years, 5 months of age. She is by far the oldest Samoyed we’ve ever had.
The expression you see on her face is mischievous merriment. She’s teasing us. There’s nothing she likes better than making us chase her around the backyard. Nowadays we call her the “Blanco Bronco” in recognition of these low-speed chases.
She’s still holding in there. Every day it seems she’s a little weaker, her vision or hearing or sense of smell fades a little more. But she’s still happy, loves her life, and does the things she likes to do.
Sounds like a nice retirement to me.
She’s looks great and happy.
There is a dog that knows she’s got you well trained. She can make you play whenever she wants to.
Dave, how often do you brush your dogs’ teeth?
Couple of times a week. Except Tally, of course. She only has a few teeth left and they’re in pretty bad shape.
Do you ever have their teeth cleaned by their vet?
Not as often as we used to. We have the scalers and the whole shebang.
Atka has a sizeable spot of plaque on one of his rearmost teeth. I think it should be cleaned but I’m wary of having him anesthetized for the procedure.
Sorry, I meant to write tartar rather than plaque. Been a long day.
That’s why we accustom our dogs to our fussing with their mouths from puppyhood. Nowadays we flake that off ourselves rather than taking the dog to the vet, anesthetizing him or her, etc.
Your own vet may have already told you this, but cracking the tartar off is mostly cosmetic and doesn’t accomplish the most important part of a dental prophy, which is cleaning the gingival sulcus. Polishing the tooth surface afterward is important as well, helping to prevent adherence of plaque.
Fears of anesthesia are pretty unfounded with modern veterinary care. Statistically the health benefits of dental prophys far outweigh the risks. There is a considerable expense involved though, and I certainly understand when clients can’t afford it or can’t do it as often as recommended.
Happy, happy 15, dear Tally! She looks wonderful, Dave! A life of being well loved and it shows. Thank you for the great picture of her.