When you bring a dog into your life, you imagine years of joy, companionship, and unconditional love. You don’t think about the sleepless nights, the constant worry, or the all-encompassing exhaustion that comes when they age and their health declines. For my 13-year-old senior dog Mozzie, a mini schnauzer, life has become a constant struggle. And for me? It’s been a 24/7 marathon—one that often leaves me gasping for breath right alongside him.

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The Early Warnings

Mozzie was always my little firecracker—full of life and energy. Even with his vertebrae fusion, he found ways to run, play, and charm everyone around him. But earlier this year, I noticed subtle changes that quickly turned into red flags. He started breathing heavily, standing for hours as if lying down was too uncomfortable, and his once-boundless energy faded into exhaustion after the shortest walks.

Seeing him struggle gutted me. The worry was constant. Was he in pain? Was I doing enough?

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

A trip to the vet brought a mix of answers and heartbreak. Mozzie was diagnosed with heart and respiratory issues—early-stage congestive heart failure. The words hit like a punch in the gut. I knew this was coming someday, but hearing it said out loud made it painfully real.

The vet handed me a prescription list that felt as heavy as the diagnosis itself:

• Vetmedin (Pimobendan): To help his heart pump more efficiently.
• Theospirex (Theophylline): To open up his airways.
• Lasix (Furosemide): To drain the fluid building up in his lungs.

The medications weren’t optional—they were his lifeline.

A New Routine of Endless Care

Administering medication was easier said than done. Mozzie, being the stubborn little guy he is, would spit out pills, hide them in his cheeks, or even sniff them out from carefully crafted treats. It became a game of wits, with me trying every trick in the book just to get those lifesaving pills into him.

And while the medications helped—his breathing improved, and he seemed less distressed—the care didn’t stop there. The food battles were just beginning.

The Food Fight

Mozzie’s appetite grew insatiable. At first, I thought the meds were making him hungrier, but soon it became clear he wasn’t just hungry—he was picky. His usual kibble? Forget it. He wanted real food. Every meal became a negotiation: wet food, boiled chicken, low-sodium broths, and freshly cooked meals. And even then, he’d still turn his nose up half the time.

He began begging incessantly. If I sat down to eat, he cried. If I sat down at the table just to work, he cried. And if I so much as opened the fridge, he cried louder. I couldn’t take a bite without feeling his eyes bore into me, and I missed the days when meals weren’t a battleground.

And let’s not forget the toddler in the house. Mozzie became a thief, snatching snacks straight from tiny hands, leaving my little one in tears and me scrambling to make sure everyone was fed.

The Emotional Toll of Caregiving

Caring for Mozzie is more than just a physical challenge—it’s emotionally draining. The constant vigilance, the sleepless nights, the endless worry—it all weighs heavy. Some days, I feel like I’m failing him. Am I giving him the best care? Am I reading his needs correctly?

And then there’s the guilt. On my hardest days, I wish for just a moment of quiet, a few hours of rest without Mozzie’s cries breaking the silence. And then I hate myself for wishing that.

But Mozzie’s resilience keeps me going. Even on his worst days, his wagging tail reminds me why I’m doing this. He’s not giving up, so how could I?

Hard Lessons in Love and Letting Go

This journey with Mozzie has taught me lessons I never expected to learn:

• Advocacy Matters: You know your dog best. Trust your instincts, even when it feels like you’re being overly cautious.
• Adaptability Is Survival: Mozzie’s needs change almost daily, and I’ve had to learn to keep up. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.
• Cherish the Moments, No Matter How Small: Even a quiet moment of rest feels monumental when every day is a battle.
• It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed: Loving and caring for someone isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It’s messy, exhausting, and often heartbreaking.

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Finding a New Rhythm

Now, we’re settling into a fragile routine. Mozzie’s walks are shorter, his meals more complicated, and his care more intensive. But there are still moments of joy—those rare bursts of energy, the way he snuggles up at night, and his unwavering trust in me.

I know our time together is limited. Every day is a gift, but it’s also a reminder of what’s to come. And while I wouldn’t trade this time for anything, I won’t pretend it’s easy.

To Those in the Same Boat

If you’re caring for a senior pet with health issues, know that it’s okay to feel tired, frustrated, and even resentful at times. You’re human. But also know that your love and dedication mean the world to your pet. Celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and give yourself grace on the hard days.

Mozzie may not give me a break, but he’s given me something far greater—a lesson in unconditional love, resilience, and the beauty of every moment, even the messy ones.

Are you the parent of a senior dog?Then read our guide on Senior Dogs: Helping Your Buddy Age Gracefully

Written by Karen Tiambeng

Karen Tiambeng (aka Karz) is the Director of Process Management at Tractive and formerly served as the company’s VP of Product. A devoted pet parent to three dogs and a toddler, Karz joined Tractive in 2018, inspired by a deep love for animals and a passion for innovative pet care solutions. When not navigating the joys and challenges of life with her furry and tiny companions, she enjoys reflecting on the unique chaos and joy of a life centered around dogs.