2016

Maya was nearly seven when I first noticed the initial signs of aging. She began hesitating, just for a moment, before jumping up onto my bed (where she has always slept), and I noticed the landing seemed more impactful on her joints than it used to. It was the first time I realized that her comfort would require pieces that didn’t come in the box. I commissioned my father to build her a custom set of stairs so she could get on and off the bed more easily. It was a simple shift, but it set the tone for how we would handle every hurdle that followed: by observing, researching, and finding the right tools to keep her vibrant.

2017

A year later, I noticed another shift in Maya’s routine. Despite having easy access to my bed with her custom stairs, she began choosing it less often. Instead of her usual habit of curling up behind my knees, she now preferred to sleep fully stretched out on the floor. It became clear that her needs were evolving again; she needed more space and more specialized support than a standard mattress could provide. To ensure her joints were protected through the night, I upgraded her to a high-quality orthopaedic bed. This taught me that support isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about listening to the subtle ways our companions tell us what they need to rest well.

2021

Near the end of 2021, at age twelve, Maya became less sure of foot. What began as simple safety carpets at the top and bottom of stairs soon evolved into a strategic mission for traction. By 2022, I was meticulously trimming her paw fur and using paw wax to improve her grip. As the years progressed, our carpet islands grew into carpet roads, until all non-carpeted floors were essentially lava to her by 2024 (unless, of course, a piece of chicken was involved). Today, our home features a permanent traction highway made of washable rugs and shelf liners. It’s a specialized setup, but it means Maya remains a confident dog who can navigate her world exactly as she pleases.

2022

In 2022, Maya suddenly developed seasonal allergies and contact dermatitis. A simple day at the beach left her with red, raw skin from constant scratching. While we initially relied on vet-prescribed medication, I soon realized that prevention was the most effective “puzzle piece.” Now, we manage her flare-ups by hosing her down after the beach or using hygiene wipes to remove pollen after she rolls in the grass. To soothe any lingering irritation, I turn to coconut oil. It’s an accessible, natural antifungal that provides instant relief—and since it’s safe to lick, I never have to worry about her grooming herself afterward.

2023

This was a year of significant hurdles. It began with the discovery of an anal tumor that, while not cancerous, required a trip to a specialist clinic for a biopsy and a management plan. Amidst that stress, we found a breakthrough: Maya received her first Librela injection for her arthritis, a tool that has become a vital piece of her comfort.

However, shortly after, Maya experienced Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome. During a trail walk, she suddenly lost her coordination and became disoriented. For five days, she required constant assistance to move or even stand. While she regained her independence within a month, it was during this recovery that I realized she was deaf. It wasn’t that the syndrome caused the hearing loss; rather, dogs are so incredibly adaptable that she had been compensating for it for a long time. It was only when she could no longer rely on her other senses to mask the change that I finally became aware of it. Today, I’ve traded my whistle for “air traffic controller” hand signals. I still talk to her all day long, but we’ve learned that the strongest bonds don’t actually need sound to be understood.

2024

The year began with a familiar puzzle; the tumor we managed in 2023 had quietly regrown beneath the surface. While Maya’s surgery and recovery were swift, the visit revealed a significant shift in her health: her heart murmur, stable since puppyhood, has progressed to Grade 4. To keep her heart strong without overtaxing her system, seal oil was integrated into her diet and high-energy games were traded for the quiet engagement of snuffle toys.

By autumn, Maya began favouring her back leg, making household stairs a significant struggle. We installed ramps to keep her world accessible, but we also took direct action on her mobility by starting physiotherapy. After identifying her back as the root cause and completing three weeks of targeted work, her limp vanished. Recognizing the value of this support, we have continued with regular physio sessions and at-home exercises ever since to ensure she remains comfortable and vibrant.

2025

As Maya’s gait shifted with her physio progress, we encountered a new puzzle: her back right toe. Due to a likely weak tendon, the toe now flexes upward, right into the air. While it stays up most of the time, it occasionally drops, causing her nail to drag painfully on the ground. To manage these unpredictable moments, I repurposed Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® as protective caps; they ensure that even when her toe isn’t flexed, her nail is shielded and she remains comfortable.

The most significant shift this year, however, was urinary incontinence. What began in 2024 as minor leaks during sleep was initially managed with cranberry supplements and pee pads. However, as the condition progressed throughout 2025, it became a constant challenge suspected to be nerve-related. By the end of the year, we found our true “missing piece”: manual stimulation. Since she can no longer feel the urge to go on her own, I learned a specialized stimulation technique that allows her to squat and empty her bladder fully. It’s a new rhythm for our daily life, ensuring she stays dry and comfortable.

BAYA JOINS THE FAMILY

In 2025, we officially adopted our neighbour’s dog, Baya. At 15 years old, Baya has been Maya’s best friend since 2015. While she has spent most of the last decade by our side, the only real change now is that she sleeps under our roof. Having her “sister” here permanently has been a beautiful constant in Maya’s life, proving that social connections are just as vital to senior wellness as any supplement.

2026 and Beyond

As we move through 2026, I am filled with gratitude for the journey we share. Maya has had a fantastically full life; experiencing the depth of nature and the warmth of lifelong friendships. At nearly 17, she is a daily reminder of the vibrant spirit that has defined her life.

Providing for her health and comfort as she ages is a natural extension of our bond—it is my responsibility and my privilege as her owner. Maya has taught me patience and compassion, and I take each day as it comes, advocating for her well-being so she can continue to enjoy her best possible life. We move forward together, celebrating her extraordinary longevity and the incredible journey we have shared side-by-side.