Senior Dogs.

I've just completed a particularly lengthy and emotionally charged new consult with a middle aged couple, and a soft silence fills the room. Ben, their beloved 13-year-old Golden retriever, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, and they are here to learn everything they can about his disease and what options are available for treatment. Overall he's feeling fairly well. However, subtle signs of disease have started to set in. He's showing a slight but perceptible reluctance to rise from bed in the morning. Meals are still being consumed, but at a less than usual frenetic pace. Ben's been panting more, and his owners noted two instances where he stopped abruptly during their routine ...

Worried about getting old? Blackie will make you feel better. According to the (U.K.) Daily Mail, Blackie is 19 years old (that's 133 in dog years), and is staying at the Battersea Dog and Cats Home in London. Staff at the shelter believe that the graying pooch is the oldest to spend time at Battersea, but he certainly doesn't act the part. Blackie spends most of his time running around the kennels, going on walks and playing with toys. Due to his enthusiasm and good health, the shelter is optimistic they will find a new home for this old-timer. ...