It was only a little over a year ago, that Ladysmith wondered “What do you do with an old cowdog?” 
It is already a year ago, October 4 – that the great Ladysmith – truly an angel – went back to her heavenly home.
Now I’m still a young pup, but I think about Lady’s views on old cow dogs, and think it probably applies to us all. It is an honor to follow her and I hope I can live up to the high standard set by the Heelers before. 
Here’s what she had to say:
You know from my recent posts that I’ve had a hip-wrenching slip and am feeling mighty old lately. Of course, in my heart I’m still a scrappy pup, but it has me wondering: What do you do with an old cowdog? 
I’ve thought of plenty of things this old Heeler is still good for, and maybe this list helps mom and dad not be sad, when they see me wobble or slip. 
Maybe I can’t chase cows much anymore, but I’ll watch them on TV with dad all day long. We like John Wayne
and Roy Rogers,
and anything with big cattle drives. 
Because I have years of experience in savoring every tasty kind of food, from roadkill to grilled venison, an old canine like me is the best at treat testing, treat tasting, treat buying, burying, hiding from the cats and wolfing down as
many as possible.
Even if I can’t sit up and beg, or show off ’til you can’t resist and give more, I’m still the one who deserves more treats. In fact, I believe with age comes the right to eat only treats! Like old people, who should get just Scotch and chocolate if they want it.
My eyesight is failing, and my hearing has gone from selective to just plain poor. But my nose is still excellent and I know everything that is going on here. Steak, cookies, chocolate. Deer, cats, horses. The leaves are turning, the creek runs clear, cold and low. I’m still in charge of it all.
Old dogs can still share their wisdom with pups, sometimes relayed with just a simple show of the teeth and a little growl.
I’m very good at sleeping; I dream of those days running with mom and dad, and I smile.
Old dogs still play. 
I still love holidays, especially my birthday and Christmas. Usually this includes cookies and more treats!
An old dog is still very good at riding in the truck. I may need a little help getting in, but this will always be one of my superpowers! 
I may move slower, but I still can patrol the ranch from the porch –
Us old dogs still watch and guard, we can raise an alarm when needed.
And the old me still smiles, 
and will always be good for petting and cuddling.
My walks are slower now. 
I only trot on the good days, I don’t play chicken, nip hands or engage in aerial dances. But these slow walks keep me close to your side, as we enjoy the autumn night air. 
As we mosey along, you always tell me to take my time, so I don’t slip or waver.
You say, ” We have nothing but time…” But I know, we all have precious little left.
I still can snuggle up with dad, on the floor more often than the couch, but together we dream about old days, good days, today and tomorrow.
So then, what to do with an old cowdog?
Just love them, every moment and forever, of course.
