My Reflections After Meeting Taz, a senior dog.

I had the blessing of being called to treat Taz, a gorgeous 15½-year-old dog who was having trouble walking.

When I arrived, Taz was lying on the sofa with the wise, soulful look that only an old dog carries. Although I could sense his discomfort, I could also see the joy he still brought to his human companion and family.

Taz allowed me to work on him quite smoothly, giving me the "I'm not sure if I’m comfortable with that" look only when I did some gentle spine traction while holding his tail!

What was particularly interesting was what happened after the treatment. As many of you have experienced, the body's response to osteopathic treatment is unique and can vary widely. Some people feel as if they're in a trance, some feel energized, others so sleepy they need a nap even the following day — and some simply feel relaxed.

Our four-legged friends have their own unique responses too, and Taz was no exception. His walk became even more wobbly right after the treatment, but by the next day, he was noticeably steadier and showing real improvement.

I visited Taz once more, and this time, he greeted me with a wide, happy tail wag. We were friends now .Like many pets, Taz has been a loyal companion and emotional support to his human buddy for over 15 years. Despite facing health issues with a poor prognosis, he has defied the veterinarians’ expectations.

The lifestyle his family has provided has been crucial to his resilience. According to the American Kennel Club, Taz would be in his 90s in human years — yet he still climbs five steps several times a day to "go do his business," gets off the couch by himself, plays with his toys, and enjoys the company around him.

Good quality food, regular exercise, play, loving companionship, and of course, attentive healthcare has helped him live well into his senior years.

This is what I learned from Tazzie (as his family lovingly calls him):

Take care of your body ( the vehicle )

Care for your mind ( the driver)

And don’t forget your emotional life ( the engine that keeps everything moving)

No matter what stage of life we’re in, tending to all three helps us move through the journey with more ease, grace, and vitality.