NinaA
New member
This is something that seems to be mentioned a lot here. Moonlight is my third really old Newfoundland. I find that the more you have these precious Seniors, the more you want to spoil them. Didn't even realize this until just recently when I turned the ceiling fan on in the family room, even though the furnace was running and it was below freezing outside. When she looks at you and looks at the fan, you turn the fan on. Same with her water. Fresh water almost every time she drinks - a must. Why? Some inconsiderate dog (herself) has slimed the water. Yuck. Blankets in crate arranged just so. A milkbone after morning pee, "gravy", veggies and lean meat on kibble, a Blue Dog cookie after every meal and of course there's the "wipies". To prevent UTIs which she is prone to due to an inverted vulva and short urethra, she throws herself onto her back several times a day and we must use a baby wipe or medicated pad to clean her private parts and then give her rubbies. Oh, the carpet must be vacuumed at least once a day as a freshly cleaned carpet is a treat. And, if desired, the humans must accompany her outside to praise her every evacuation. Spoiled - my dogs - never. But, then I think about the fact that they won't be around much longer. What will I do without Moonlight. She's been my "puppy" all her life, and when she's gone I will be Newfless at an age that is pretty much beyond tackling a puppy. Spoil her - you betcha.
Of course if he does it in the house, he is not chastised. Went 8 or 9 years with only one poop accident in the house and one pee accident that was not his fault at all. So far peeing is still not a issue. He loves to drink from a hose, so I keep a short hose on the spigot by the porch. The problem is it freezes up this time of year. I just put a quick disconnect on it yesterday so I can take it in or fully drain it. 
