I recently turned the big "7." I can feel my age now and then; I move a little more slowly when I first get up from one of my delicious naps. I need to stretch a bit more to get all the parts moving.
Of course, I can't let my humans see me slowing down. It just wouldn't be right. After all, I can still run fast enough to keep the ball away from them, only letting them have it when they're about to lose interest. It's not like I'm ready to join the AARB (Association for the Advancement of Retired Beagles) or anything like that.
Still, age does have a few benefits. I can justify sleeping longer and more often, not that I ever felt the need to justify what is my divine right as a regal Beagle. And I can get away with claiming more lap time from my humans.
With age also come wisdom or at least an increased ability to drive my humans crazy. Lately, I've taken to staring at my humans and also pacing by the back door in an attempt to be let outside. What makes this more fun is doing these things just a few minutes after coming back in from the previous trip outdoors. This is also a great game to play when your humans are in the middle of doing something, especially if you can it seem urgent that you be let out at that very moment.
I've heard humans say a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a devious mind is a wonderful thing to employ and enjoy.
Bark. Bark. Growl.
