Tango is 11.5 years old! When we walk and explore, he seems like a much younger dog because he is spry and active. When you look closer, he is showing his age. I see a bit of cloudiness in his eyes and gray around his muzzle. I have been told that Aussies can live a very long time, 15-18 years. Others have told me that theirs was go-go-go until about 13 or 14 and then declined quickly. We could have anywhere from a few years to maybe 5 years left.
I was not actively looking for a dog when Tango came into my life. I had recently moved to a ranching town in Wyoming. I walked all through the area and had observed cattle dogs around town as they sat patiently in the back of their owner’s pickup. These fiercely loyal and devoted working dogs would sit for hours if need be outside of restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, waiting and watching. If another dog came near, they did not bark, fuss, or jump out of the pickup bed. Their job was to hold down the fort, and they did that perfectly. Sometimes, as I drove out in the country, I would see a working cattle dog following his owner who was riding a horse. The dog kept the same pace as the horse, always just a few steps behind, as if herding the horse. Being a big city girl at that time, I wondered, “who are these dogs?” I remember telling my mom about these wonderful beasts. That is when I learned about border collies, Australian shepherds, red healers, and other cattle dogs. They love to walk, they love to herd. “Wow. I want a dog like that some day”, but I knew that they did not belong in town.
Not much later, however, a gal came into my church office with two miniature Australian shepherd puppies (3 months old). Tango was draped over her left shoulder and we locked eyes, love at first sight, for both of us. It turns out the gal was looking for homes for the puppies. “I will take the one on the left,” I exclaimed. She told me that he was probably spoken for already, but she would let me know if that fell through. The next day, she called. That little boy puppy was mine if I still wanted him. Wow! I sure did. I was so thrilled to get him and I immediately took him out on a hike. He kept up as well as expected for a tiny puppy, and I sure loved carrying him when he was just too tired to continue. By the time he was 6 or 7 months old, he was herding me down the trail, which he still does! He loved camping too, and, clearly, I had found the perfect adventure buddy. But he was also a partner in my ministry. When I made home visits out to the working ranches in the area, he would come along and charm everyone. Sometimes he was allowed to wander around the animals and pretend he was a real working dog. He has also been by my side as I wander in my early retirement years. When I spent 3 months taking care of my ailing mom, Tango sat next to her chair or under her walker, always protecting her and always keeping vigil.
I have endless stories about life with Tango. One of my favorites is our shared love of peanut butter. Tango knows the sound of a peanut butter jar being opened, and he runs over to me when he hears that favorite sound. I always give him a spoonful, which he licks slowly. When the jar is nearly empty, I scoop the remaining peanut butter up towards the top of the jar and he licks that for hours. I have not even tried to keep a jar of peanut butter all to myself -he has a hurt look that can melt me into a puddle, and I don’t want to risk seeing that!
I rarely leave Tango in the camper alone, even if I will be out for a long time for appointments and errands. After our trip to Alaska last summer, the car is like a second home, and he is content to stay there on cool days while I go about my day. He owns the passenger seat. His favorite bed is there, but, since it was too big for the space, I built a seat extension using a wooden crate. I saw the idea in a catalog. This photo below, from online, shows how a seat extension works. Tango is much smaller and, in my car, his dog bed spans the seat and extension. He gets quite comfortable in that space and I leave a water bowl on the center console for him. 
This summer we start section hiking on the Palouse-to-Cascades Trail. My goal this year is to work up to 10 miles a day, 5 in and 5 out at each trailhead. The next day, we will go 5 miles in and 5 miles out at the same trailhead but in the other direction, across the first half of the trail. I have always wanted to do long distance walking/hiking and am hoping it goes well for us. I am not sure he can do that many miles on his little feet, so we are starting to increase our distances on the Olympic Discovery Trail. If I like the long distance walking, I have some lofty goals, including walking in Scotland and maybe even the Camino de Santiago. If I am going to fulfill this long-time dream, the time to start is now! Tango won’t be able to do any overseas trips, but he can help me prepare.
I try not to think about life without my best buddy. Instead, I focus on just enjoying his company as he becomes an elderly fellow. He wants to be scratched and rubbed more than usual, so I do my best while watching a movie at night. He loves walking by the marina because of all the new animal smells, so we wander there several times a day. We saw a seal yesterday – he was somewhat curious but a bit leery. He stills prefers herding domestic animals and hates the water anyway.
The most endearing time we have together, though, is during his new nighttime cuddling. Typically, Tango sleeps at my feet, rolled up into a tight ball. The other night he curled up next to my chest, like a cat. The night temps were at freezing so I figured that the cold was bothering him. I gently pulled the blankets over him and scratched his head. He sighed deeply and with great joy and then started snoring. On these cold, damp, northwest nights, I am sure that it felt good on his aging bones to snuggle in. By morning Tango was back by my feet, but I know he stayed under the blankets for at least several hours. He has repeated this every night since, much to my delight. I wonder, “does he know we are both getting old?”
My old boy, Tango, who is really enjoying my pillow these days!
Tango and I have the same affections for each other that are demonstrated in this photo!
I love that little dog! I know that people in some cultures are repelled by our love of dogs, but I cannot imagine these last 11 years without him. He is a great companion, a fierce protector, and he travels well. I love taking care of him each day, and he brings me such joy. Right now Tango is sleeping at my feet as I write, something he has done for over 11 years! I am not surprised that studies show pets are even good for our health. So, we are making the most of our days together and I am enjoying a life made richer because of our bond.
