Do you have an aging dog? Or do you know someone who does? If the answer is yes, I'm with you. My Levi is a 14 year-old Husky/Shephard mix. And because he is a senior dog, I'm recommending this book to fellow fur-parents.
One day I posed a question on a Facebook group about a behavior that I noticed. I was grateful someone recommended this book because Levi was showing early signs of what I thought was doggie dementia. (My vet later confirmed it.) So far, I've only seen the wall staring, but as time goes on, I'm sure I'll see additional behaviors.
So how would Anderson understand what I (we) might be dealing with? She experienced it with her senior terrier, Cricket. She shares Cricket's story, how dementia affected both of their lives, as well as what treatments may be available. And yes, for those of you who may currently be dealing with this, you are affected, too. This is a quick read at about 250-ish pages, but those pages are packed with so much valuable information. As I read each chapter, I was comforted by her words.
My family has always had dogs, but none of them had dementia, so this is new to me. My hope for this book was to absorb as much information as possible so that my husband and I can give Levi all the love and care until it's time for him to cross that rainbow bridge.
In this award-winning guidebook, Anderson shares realistic ideas that helped her give her furbaby the most fulfilling life possible. And that's exactly what I'm looking for. Dementia (cognitive dysfunction) isn't curable, but after reading this book, now my husband and I have some resources and tools that will help us make Levi feel the same way that he did when we brought him home - well-loved, ridiculously spoiled, and extremely cared for throughout whatever situations he (and we) will deal with.
Final note: In the beginning of the book, Anderson does include a disclaimer so be sure to read it.
