Milo Makes 14!

EllenEveBaz · January 1

Almost 12 years ago, volunteers from a rescue program drove six hours to bring Milo for a home inspection and, we hoped, a final home. He had been dropped off as a skeletally thin stray at a kill shelter. Someone at the pound called this rescue program, knowing that one of the leaders had a hound of her own. "You'd better come and get this greyhound." She did. Then someone on GT posted his picture here. It was clear to discerning eyes that he wasn't full greyhound -- floppy ears and a round ribcage. Their guess was he had been someone's hunting dog. He had already bounced from his first home the program found for him. "Too expensive." I'm sure that was due to his fetish of chewing anything foam rubber or fiber. I will always remember my first sight of him -- jaunty step, ultra-curved tail, bright red brindle, eyes interested and alert. As a vet wrote in his records once Milo had recovered, "Beautiful dog." A DNA test showed 2/3 greyhound, 1/6 Tennessee treeing coonhound, and 1/6 whippet. That same test showed he has a ton of greyhound and mix cousins -- he must be a product of a large hunting dog breeding business. He's certainly done more than his share to reduce the number of wildlife who make it out of our back yard. :puke

And now he's 14 (probably older, but I picked New Year's Day as his birthday). I've never had a dog make it to 14 before. His face is all white now, and he carries both his head and his tail lower. He's got chronic lymphatic leukemia, a slow cancer, but he is doing great on the chemo. He's got good muscle mass on his rear legs and enjoys mile-long walks, just slower than before. He eats meals well with 5 fewer teeth, although will now accept room service for his good-night snack rather than coming in the kitchen. He goes out first thing in the morning, and comes racing back in the house, enjoying the new day. His step remains jaunty and purposeful. Part of the Dog Aging Project, he has aced every cognitive test they've set. Always congenial, he's now officially snuggly (although I think he's seeking an auxiliary heat source). He has developed a fear of some loud noises. I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but he hasn't made a documented wildlife kill in 15 months.

I know he has missed going out on hours-long hunts with a pack of his besties, chasing coons and possums or wild hogs all night. But that didn't turn out so well for him. We've had our ups and downs together. He's outlived 3 other dogs here, and while he has annoyingly battled for pack position with all of them, he has missed them when they've had to leave. I can see his departure getting closer and closer. I hope he feels like he's had a good life. My Milo. MiloBiloDilo. Milo Milo, you are thrice of everything that's houndie nice. My my, Milo. Milo My Love.

Remolacha · January 1

:confetti :pepper :b-day

Happy Birthday Milo! What a joy that you have reached (at least) 14 yrs old! You know all thoroughbred horses’ official birthday is January 1st, so Milo is a thoroughbred

I have had a couple of greys pass 14, and I cherished every minute with them. It sounds like Milo is still truckin’ so hopefully you all have some quality times ahead :beatheart

Houndtime · January 1

Happiest of birthdays to roo from Flying Odin and Mama Mia in lower Delaware. You are a great guy!

spottydog · January 1

Oakley sends her best wishes to the incredible Milo!

ramonaghan · January 1

Happy birthday, Milo! :confetti Fourteen is fantastic—must be all that wild-caught protein over the years. We all love you here and hope you'll stick around with Ellen and Gelsey for a good while yet. :kiss2

FiveRoooooers · January 1

I hope he feels like he's had a good life. :heart I'm not crying. You're crying.

Srsly. Milo has had The Best life, the best ongoing final chapter any hound could wish for. Happy #14 Milo :kiss2 Only one camper has ever reached 14 (Pal) and I am so delighted and proud for you having reached such a milestone, and with such flourish :confetti