When you think about adopting a dog, consider my experience with Chandler, because my experience with him has been, and continues to be, awesome.
I adopted Chandler in January 2007 when he was about 8. He’s about 14 or 15 now, and doing incredibly well for an old guy who is missing a huge number of teeth. Eight or nine year old dogs aren’t the best adoption candidates because people usually want younger dogs, but he was and is so darn sweet that his personality captivated me. He has also outlived wall of the expectations I had when I adopted this sweet old boy.
Chandler was very sick with heartworms and other, less serious and very treatable ailments when I adopted him, but he recovered from all of those problems and became a strong, wonderful companion to me and Madigan, who was 6 when Chandler entered our lives. Madigan and Chandler bonded quickly even though they had scuffles over who got to sit in my lap and greet me at the door.
When I adopted him, Chandler was skinny and quiet, but he gained weight quickly with a regular diet augmented by all the crap he ate as we walked along the city sidewalks and in the parks. This dog will eat anything, and it never caused him any problems until 2011, when I also first noticed he had joint issues. some hearing loss, and possibly some vision problems (at least at night). He also found his voice, and his place in the household. He’s a stubborn old boy who found his ways around Madigan to get what he needed.
When Chandler began slipping because of joint weakness, I put down rugs in every room and hall, and carpet treads on the stairs so he wouldn’t fall, and adjusted his diet and added canine vitamins and glucosamine. He stabilized and thrived.
When Madigan died, I was afraid I’d lose him soon, too, because his grief was so apparent and profound. He didn’t seem to hear anything, and just looked lost. The thing that gave me hope was his interest in seeing and playing with every dog we saw when we were out walking.
The introduction of a new puppy, Aisling, changed things. Chandler is an extremely social dog and he thrived with the new puppy companion even as he struggled with her bad behavior. He stood firm when it came to dog rules, and interacted with her constantly. They play together every day, and he seems livelier than he has been in a long time. He clearly adores the puppy even when she’s annoying the crap of him.
Chandler was happy to be beta to Madigan’s alpha dog status in this house, but he is holding his own and maintaining his role as Alpha with Aisling. He’s been a terrific guide who helped her learn how to behave with other dogs and when walking on leash.
