Some of you may remember my posts from a few years ago where I talked about how Frankie was a traveler and would lead me so far from home that I would be forced to pick him up and carry him home. He didn’t like that and would often hiss at me and try to jump down.
Fast forward a few years and he now sometimes walks three quarters of the way around the block, stops, looks up at me and meows. As near as I can figure, he wants me to carry him. When I do, he purrs instead of hisses.
Lately, Rose has been coming on our morning walks. She captured this photo of me carrying Frankie home the other day.
The change seems to have happened quickly. Six months ago, we would sometimes walk up to the main road, which is about equivalate to three blocks away, plus the walk back.
I don’t know how old Frankie is exactly, but we estimate he will be 16 next February. At some point he hast to slow down. Don’t get me wrong, Frankie is not ready for a nursing home yet, but he is also no longer the marathon walker he used to be. Some days are better than others. Yesterday we circled two blocks with no problem. This morning we did a lot of zig zagging, so I don’t know how far we walked, but Frankie came home on his own.
I will continue to walk with Frankie for as long as we both are able. If I have to carry him, I’ll gladly do that. I think the more we walk, the more we will be able to walk in the future. When the time comes when Frankie no longer has the desire to go outside, I will know we created a lot of good memories together.
I’m glad he still wants to go out and walk and explore, even if it’s not as far.
Me too. Some day he might only walk around the house. That’s fine with me. It’s better than being in a nursing home.
Aging issues happen to man and beast alike…….AND we also are alike in that we have good days and bad days. Teddy who will be 11 this year used to wander the entire yard and our woods which is a considerable amount of walking……these days he enjoys walking only in the top half of the front yard, rarely in the back and never in the woods. It’s great that you two walk – short or long walks – it’s fun time together isn’t it……and wonderful forever memories too.
Hugs, Pam
I will miss the walks when they are over. When Chris was old, he would go outside, eat a little grass, and then lie in the driveway, soaking up sun.
Enjoy the walks. Sixteen years…how wonderful. My oldest is 13 and I can see how she moves a bit slower…and is crankier.
Walking is great no matter the distance ~ aging slows us all down ~ Happy walking to you both ~ Hugs ^_^
https://anartistreflects.com