🤎Yeori Day 🤎

When Yeoreum was younger, a walk meant one thing:

Keep going!

He would happily walk, sniff, explore, and follow wherever I went.

But now that Yeoreum is 10 years old, our walks have changed a little.

And honestly, I’ve learned that a good walk isn’t necessarily the longest walk.

From “How Far?” to “How Does He Feel Today?”

When Yeoreum was younger, I naturally thought about how far we walked and how much exercise he got.

These days, I pay much more attention to how he feels during the walk.

Some days he walks happily and wants to explore everything.

Other days, he seems to prefer a slower pace and more frequent breaks.

So instead of making him follow a fixed distance, I try to follow his condition that day.

Sniffing Has Become a Big Part of Our Walks

One thing I’ve noticed is that Yeoreum can spend quite a lot of time sniffing.

At first, I used to think,

“Are we actually walking anywhere?” 😂

But now I don’t rush him as much.

A walk isn’t only about moving from one place to another.

Stopping to sniff, look around, and explore the surroundings is also part of the experience for him.

Sometimes, those little moments seem to make him happier than simply walking a long distance.

His Pace Is Slower Now

Yeoreum doesn’t walk as quickly as he used to.

And that’s okay.

Ten years old doesn’t mean he has to stop enjoying walks.

It simply means I need to adjust the pace to his current body and energy level.

Some days we walk a little longer.

Some days we take a short stroll.

And sometimes, the most important thing is simply getting outside and enjoying the fresh air together.

I Watch More Than I Used To

As Yeoreum has gotten older, I’ve become more observant during our walks.

I pay attention to things like:

• Is he walking comfortably?
• Does he suddenly slow down?
• Does he seem tired?
• Is he interested in his surroundings?
• Does he want to keep walking or go home?
• Does anything about his movement look different from usual?

These small observations can help me notice changes in his condition.

Of course, they aren’t a substitute for veterinary care. If I notice a persistent or concerning change, I would rather have him checked by a veterinarian than try to diagnose the problem myself.

The Best Part of Our Walks

The funny thing is that I used to think a “good walk” meant covering a certain distance.

Now I think differently.

A good walk is one where Yeoreum comes home looking happy and comfortable.

Sometimes it’s a long walk.

Sometimes it’s a short one.

And sometimes we spend more time sniffing than walking. 😂

But after ten years together, I’ve learned that our walks don’t have to look the same as they did when he was young.

We just have to find a rhythm that feels right for him now.

And honestly…

I think that’s one of the sweetest parts of growing older together. 🤎

A Little Note from Yeoreum Day

Yeoreum is a 10-year-old Shih Tzu, and this post is based on our personal experience.

Every senior dog is different. When making changes to your dog’s exercise routine, consider their age, health, fitness level, and individual needs. If your dog shows pain, unusual weakness, persistent limping, breathing difficulties, or other concerning changes during or after exercise, please consult your veterinarian.

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