Caring for senior pets - an interview with Koko the dog

Jessica 16/03/2017 - updated: 28/06/2017

It's a Pawshake exclusive! We had the pleasure of interviewing internet-famous pooch Koko of Koko's Dog Blog about finally getting his senior discount. What's it like to be a senior dog, or looking after a senior dog if you're a pet-sitter? Read on...

And a big thank-you to Koko's Mum Helen for being Koko's typist!

1) Firstly, hello Koko! Can you introduce yourself please?

I am KoKo Harry Potter, a well-known celebrity boy dog, living in Subiaco Western Australia. I see, smell, hear and think as I walk around streets and lanes near my home. At quiet moments, I contemplate the meaning of life and the ways in which I could trick a human into supplying my next treat. I also write a dog blog (www.kokosdogblog.com) and doggerel (under my pseudonym, KoKo ShakesPaw).

When I was a little puppy, I looked like a golden teddy bear. Over the past 11 years my coat became more cream with apricot. I don’t have a grey nose like elderly black dogs do so I can disguise my age.

My most endearing feature is my big happy smile. Because everyone calls me “So Cute”, I think “So Cute” is my name!

My personality is strongly reflected in my heritage. Chinese Maltese dogs are dainty and elegant, spirited and playful, with a loving nature. They have high intelligence and speed at learning tricks if well rewarded. Tibetan bred Shih-Tzu dogs tend to be cuddly and fuzzy with dark “wallowing” eyes. They need lots of cuddles and attention and are a little arrogant at times. That is all a good description of me.

Now that I am nearly 77 (in human terms), with signs of ageing creeping into my joints, I am walking a bit more slowly and sleeping a lot more. At the nursing home I visit on Fridays I am nearly as old as the residents. I do have a giveaway “senile “tremor in my back leg. Humans think I am cold or scared.

I realise how much I have learned over the years and how much Mum and I enjoyed fun moments and my adventures and misadventures. I have not lost my desire to socialise with humans, kids and doggies (and even sometimes a cat!)

2) As you know we're here to talk about ageing gracefully, which you are doing beautifully - what overall physical changes have you noticed as a senior pup? How has Mum helped accommodate these changes?

My human Mum and I have both noticed some changes in the last year. When I had my ten year vet check I scored 9.5 out of ten (I had one bad tooth). Now I am definitely a bit more “life experienced”. My expert hearing is less acute. I no longer have to pretend I can’t hear Mum call me when I don’t want to “come”. Instead of racing to meet her at the door when I hear her key, she has caught me in a deep peaceful sleep – on her new couch! I am embarrassed. Of course I can still hear the crackle of a treat packet if I listen carefully.

You won’t find me complaining of aches or pains but I am making a few adjustments in life to accommodate my slightly reduced speed and muscle power. My days of leaping out of the car a millisecond after Mum opens the door are gone. I now check the height first. Jumping up on Mum’s bed to have a cozy snooze is also getting a little tricky. I must tell her to get me a step.

My eyes are still very observant and my nifty nose is as good as ever at reading WeeMails from my doggie mates. My love of sausages is undaunted. I can still run to the park, like a jet propelled rocket, if I smell a BBQ at my nearby park.

3) In terms of exercise - we're sure you love a good walkies every now and again (what dog doesn't!). Has your exercise routine changed in recent years? As a senior pooch, what kind of physical activities do you still love?

As I have always done, I make Mum take me for a walk early every morning and as soon as she comes home from work. On weekends I still pester her to go to the park or the beach every time she is busy with her chores. I just tend to call it quits a bit sooner than before.

We have noticed, that instead of running around the park, like a puppy bursting with energy, I now choose to sit and meditate quietly. I also tend to fatigue quickly on hot Perth summer days.

4) How about diet - has your weight/appetite/eating pattern changed as you've aged? What are some of your favourite foods for senior pups?

Surprisingly my weight has always been 8kg. Somehow Mum guesses the right amount of food I need and only gives me tiny treats. Combining these efficient eating patterns of healthy not fat, nor sugary nor salty food, I do lots and lots of walking. My heart is healthy!

Despite my age my mind is still very energetic, and I haven’t lost my arrogance or stubbornness. I am still KoKo Harry Potter.

5) We want to make it clear - we think older pets are just wonderful! What would you say to anyone out there thinking about adopting a pet and considering a senior?

Thinking about how much work I was for my human Mum when I was a little pup still learning the politeness and obedience rules of life, I consider that adopting a senior dog is very sensible for humans to do.

An older dog has learned to be polite and does not rush past and trip you over, we tend not to eat your shoes or pee on your best carpet. We reward you for taking us into your home with love and loyalty.