In the last month or so, I've had a couple of people inquire to how Trixie was doing. Some of them were uneasy asking, not sure if she was doing well or even around.
I'm happy to report Trixie is doing very well. Last year she did succumb to blindness, but other than slowing down a bit due to age, she is still the same loving, playful, energetic dog.
Trixie is currently 11 years old (she'll turn 12 in December) and has no problems with arthritis or hip-dysplasia, which is prevalent in larger dogs. She is also maintaining a healthy weight in the mid-80s, despite the fact I usually slip her plenty of bacon or sausage on weekend mornings. Not to mention, Granny gives her plenty of Frosty Paws and milk bone treats.
Besides eating, Trixie's favorite things to do is to go for a walk on the Rock Island Trail. You can't even say the word "trail" unless you mean it. Even though she's blind, she can stay on the trail pretty good. She'll start to walk off of it and hit the tall grass, which she then changes course and get back on track... until she walks off on the other side of the trail.
Trixie's other favorite thing to do is to play with her rock. Yes, that's right... a rock. She will take an ordinary rock and bark at it, paw at it, roll on it and nudge it down the gulley so she can chase after it. She will lose it in the gulley, but 90% of the time, she will find that same rock and bring it back.
They say with Labrador retrievers, each day after 10 years is a blessing... we have been blessed.
