Never did I think I would be hiking big peaks with an 11 year old Whiskey. This last trip had proper scrambles I would hesitate to bring most people. Over the years I've seen some amazing senior pups on mountains but just didn't expect us to be this lucky. Peep a mountain goat Whiskey way way on the cliff in the last video. We've been on Instagram for a decade and I've become attached to so many dogs here. Everyday I'm put to tears with more stories about cancers, aging backs and degenerative issues than cheering the lucky few still going strong. We've had our setbacks, but she still looks so happy to hike. After a big day I definitely see some signs of stiffness in Whiskey and hesitancy on big technical moves so I've adjusted my approach a bit. Here's what's helped so far: 📝Rest days, no more 9 hour hikes day after day after day 📝More backpacking trips where I'm carrying 50lbs+ weight and we are all moving slower 📝Harness to help lift on big steps, helping to get into the car 📝More water stops, being careful about sensitivity to heat and cold 📝Watching carefully how Whiskey gets up after a big hike. The first several steps are really telling and the stiffness/pain can set in 2 days afterwards 📝Always moving on rest days, short walks to shake it out 📝Stretches (tail pulls) and back massages to work out the knots (I can see the spasms and work out the knots up to 3 days after) 📝Supplements for joints, anti-inflammatory, and immune system, cartrophen injections, regular chiro visits, blood tests, paw wax 📝Being grateful for everyday and willing to turn back, go slower, and adjust plans