Four the last few months I've devoted most of my time in the field to Cadee, unbeknownst to me neglecting Charlie. Guess I was too caught up in what I was doing. My wife commented he wouldn't lay on the floor next to me on the couch anymore or sit there with his head in my lap. The few times he tried, Cadee the attention whore, would nudge her way in. He stopped greeting me at the door everyday when I got home from work. He wouldn't wake up early with me and follow me round the kitchen. He almost appeared to be moping around the house. I thought well maybe he's just getting too old and doesn't feel the need to be sensitive.
So about a month ago I noticed how fat him and I were getting. Well him and I started running 3-4 times a week together. Just him and I, no Cadee. After that first week of running, it was like he sprung back to life. All his old habits of greeting me, following me and nudging me with his nose reappeared. He doesn't even appear to be moping.
Granted his poor shape, the same shape I was in, probably had something to do with it
But when that cute new pup arrives at the house, don't forget about that ole boy who's put in all those hours of training, retrieving ducks and geese in cold water and deep mud, and who's loved you unconditionally for the last 6, 8, 10 years