Slow Walks, Soft Beds, and Snacks: Life Lessons from My Old Man Dog

Welcome to the story of how my 13-year-old husky made me rethink aging…

If you know our household, you know our old man dog, Kane—fondly referred to as Kandy Kane for his love of sweets and the one time he somehow unwrapped a candy cane before eating it. (Seriously, how did he do that? He has no thumbs.)

Kane just turned 13, surpassing our previous husky, Bear, who made it to 12. He’s always been kind of an asshole, but he’s always been my asshole. I think we’ve always connected because I tend to root for the underdog, and Kane has spent his life on someone’s shit list—whether for stealing food, scratching unsuspecting victims behind the knee, or flat-out refusing to sit anywhere other than the driver’s lap on long road trips.

The Evolution of Kane

But something’s changed. As Kane has aged, so has his demeanor (and his fur color—hello, Mr. Whitey). He no longer insists on leading the pack during group walks, nor does he tirelessly dig Great Escape-style tunnels under the fence. Instead, he:

• Uses the bench at the end of the bed to assist in his climb

• Takes his time sniffing every tree and leaf like he’s solving a crime

• Fully expects a treat for anything and everything he does (because, obviously, he deserves it)

Watching Kane shift from a rebellious force of chaos to a slow-moving, wise old man has made me reflect on aging—not just for dogs, but for humans, too.

The Emotional Intelligence of Aging

There comes a time (let’s say around 35+, for those keeping track) when our bodies are no longer climbing toward peak fitness. Instead, they’re shifting gears, focusing less on growth and more on fighting off degeneration—a slow, sneaky battle that will last the rest of our days.

So, how do we embrace aging like Kane? How do we tweak our lifestyles to maximize our time instead of mourning what once was?

Lessons from Kandy Kane on Aging Gracefully

1. Adapt, Don’t Resist

   • Kane doesn’t mope about his legs not working like they used to—he finds a bench and keeps it moving.

   • We should do the same. Adjust your workouts, prioritize mobility, and use the damn foam roller.

2. Savor the Small Things

   • He’s no longer rushing to every smell; he takes his time, enjoying each sniff like it’s a fine wine.

   • We should slow down, too. Less hustle, more presence.

3. Expect the Treats

   • Kane demands rewards for the smallest victories. Sit? Treat. Eye contact? Treat. Breathe? Definitely a treat.

   • While we don’t need literal treats (though, hey, no judgment), we should celebrate small wins.

4. Prioritize Comfort

   • Kane no longer tries to prove himself as the fastest, strongest, or most dominant. He picks the comfiest spot and owns it.

   • We should stop forcing ourselves into spaces that no longer fit. Comfort—both physically and emotionally—matters.

The Takeaway

Aging doesn’t mean giving up—it means adjusting the playbook. Like Kane, we can learn to embrace new rhythms, celebrate what our bodies can do, and treat ourselves with the same grace we’d offer an aging pup.

And, of course, always expect the treat.

How are you adapting to aging? Drop a comment below—I’ll be over here making sure Kane gets his next well-earned snack.