Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Senior woozles unite! The Gray Panters are a new woozle political awareness group dedicated to shining a light on the age discrimination faced by doggie senior citizens. Our major platform issues are discussed below. Membership is open to all species who face age discrimination. Woozles, pooties, birdzees, horses, critters domestic and wild, and their peeps are welcome to join the discussion!
Why are we concerned? Like so many things in the pootie-woozle divide, getting older can be a touchy subject across pet species. Woozles, yet again, seem to be at a disadvantage compared to their pootie housemates, friends, and neighbors — especially when it comes to going gray. Cats resist aging; perhaps it is those nine lives. On the other hand, dogs are genetically predisposed (or perhaps just have the good grace) to publicly proclaim their advancing years. But you shouldn’t always judge a woozle by his or her white-haired muzzle.
Issue One: We still have lots to contribute to our communities.
Gray Panters still excel at providing support services for our peeps. We may be a few steps slower or our eyesight less sharp than in our younger days, but we make up for that in experience and wisdom. And the jobs we do can still take us around the world or just around the neighborhood.
Issue Two: We want to remain active — within reason.
Where we were once cute and perky, we are now elegant and serene (OK, we’re still darn cute). But Gray Panters aren’t ready for the rocking chair just yet. We still enjoy the same activities we did as puppers. Most of us just like them a little less raucous.
Exceptionally lucky oldster woozles spend retirement traveling with their peeps. Life on the road. Or in a motel. It widens our horizons and expands our minds.
Closer to home, Gray Panters enjoy frequent opportunities to be out in the yard or to take a leisurely walk in the park. Especially when it’s not too cold or not too hot. Oh, and we like shade. And sunbeams. And some senior woozles even still enjoy a brisk winter’s day — with snow!
(above) Balance is everything when you are a senior woozle. Outside is good. So is inside. In fact, some Gray Panters prefer indoor activities like snuggling with their hoomins, cuddling stuffed animals, and chewing on rubber balls.
Issue Three: Be patient as old age catches up with us. Sometimes our joints ache, sometimes we fail to hear you call, and occasionally we need a time out.
Senior woozles might require a few more naps. OK, to be honest, we will definitely require more naps. Naps are a good thing. Gray Panters also advocate for an extra cushy pillow on our beds. Orthopedic beds.
Many Gray Panter members also enjoy a cozy comforter to help keep them warm when their peeps are not available ror snuggles during nap time. This is one reason Gray Panters enthusiastically support quilters, knitters, crochet artists, and other fabric crafters.
(above) Of course, bad hearing or sensitive tummies or aches and pains can sometimes make us grumpy. When this happens, please give us a moment to regain our composure.
Also, some alone time or rest might help to restore our good humor (see “Naps” above).
Most senior woozles get over the blues quickly and go back to being happy gentle old souls.
Issue Four: We don’t mind being old, we just don’t like looking old.
All woozles are individuals and some are, well, a little vain. These woozles don’t want to grow old gracefully. Occasionally senior woozles just can’t accept their graying status.
Our rallying cry: We’re Gray and We’re Here to Stay.
Our movement is growing. More and more senior woozles (and pooties, too) are being adopted every day. So, are you ready to join us?
The blog is now open...