Watching our dogs get older isn't easy. Though they should all live forever, their time will inevitably come to an end. So while we have them—especially in their golden years—it's important to make as many memories as possible. For a senior Golden Retriever named Mr. Raffi, spending the day with Mom is an absolutely perfect way to make memories.
In the most heartwarming TikTok video shared by Makenzie Cann ( @makenziecann ), Mr. Raffi enjoys sun and snuggles with Mom and it's so pure. Watch their special time and try not to cry!
"You can find us here," the caption says. The 7-second video shows Mr. Raffi lying beneath the sun next to Mom as the two of them enjoy every minute together. The sweet senior Golden clearly loves this time leaning in to Mom, laying an arm across her, and even appears to smile throughout with his little paw up (toe beans!). There's nothing like watching a senior have special moments like this and serves as a great reminder not to take them for granted.
"When you don't know how many summers you have left together, so making the most out of each one left," the words in the clip state, and the comments section is absolutely here for it.
"I just absolutely can’t. He is the sweetest thing, bumping your nose," one person said. "Oh my gosh, he loves you so much. We don’t deserve dogs," another wrote. "When you look up true love in the dictionary, this," another noted.
This is going down as one of the best days in Mr.Raffi's life, and we're just grateful to witness it.
Related: Senior Golden Retriever Helps Kittens Keep Warm With the Sweetest Cuddles
Caring For Senior Dogs
Mr. Raffi is a gem whose senior status doesn't slow him down or keep him from making fun memories with his mom. Northern Pike Veterinary Hospital explains caring for senior dogs requires staying on top of their health as they can decline quickly. Though obtaining the term "senior" varies from breed to breed, small dogs reach it around 11-years -old, medium-sized dogs at 10, large breeds around 8, and giant breeds around 7 years. Regardless, it's never long enough.
If your dog is getting up there in years, look out for:
- Hearing loss
- Tooth loss
- Vision loss
- Loss of muscle tone
- Decreased energy
- Arthritis and multiple joint issues
- Hair loss
- Drier and less elastic skin
- Reduced liver, kidney, and heart function
- “Senior” moments when mental acuity is reduced
- Reduced immune system
Other factors, like reduced activity or limited mobility, may begin just as they approach their senior years. It's important to monitor your older pup and keep an eye on eating and drinking patterns, lumps and bumps, cognitive function, anxiety and depression, as well as periodontal, kidney and liver diseases. Alert your vet if any of the above are present.
Nothing can prepare you for caring for an aging dog, mostly the way it hurts to know we'll one day have to let them go. For now, hold onto each and every moment, just like Mr. Raffi.
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