SuzAnne Miller is the owner of Dunrovin Ranch. A fourth-generation Montanan, SuzAnne grew up roaming the mountains and fishing the streams of western Montana. Her love of nature, animals, science, and education prompted her to create the world’s first cyber ranch where live web cameras bring Dunrovin’s wildlife and ranch life to internet users across the globe.
We celebrate October 10th as Jewel’s birthday even though no one really has any idea about when or where she was born. She came to us on October 10, 2007; so that is the day we celebrate her and we celebrate the fact that we get to share our lives with her. She is probably between 10 and 11 years old. She is entering her senior years – like me. We are doing it together.
Jewel is beyond doubt the world’s best trail and ranch dog. Clearing the trails of turkeys or grouse that can startle the horses when they flush up under their bellies, going first over the bridges and through the streams to give the horses confidence to follow, and altering both horse and rider to the presence of bears or cougars, Jewel’s role as trail scout is greatly valued by both her human and equine companions. The one and only thing Jewel dislikes about trail rides is when there isn’t enough room in the truck to ride with the people and she is relegated to the trailer.
Jewel is kind to other dogs, welcoming them to Dunrovin. While unsure of this new interloper at first, she has accepted Kola and even allows him to sit on her.
Together Jewel and I have covered literally thousands of miles on back country trails in Montana, floated the Bitterroot River numerous times on inner tubes and in canoes, played a million games of fetch the stick or ball, and enjoyed many a winter evening snuggled up under a blanket on a soft couch while watching Dowton Abbey. Jewel is my soul mate, my confidant, my therapist, my hiking and riding partner, my exercise drill sergeant as she stares me down each morning until we head out for a walk, and my aging companion. It gives me great pleasure to grow older with Jewel. We both have arthritis in our joints from pushing our bodies and embracing adventure. It now takes each of us a few minutes to get going, but get going we do. We both need stools these days: Jewel needs one to get into the car as her bad hip prevents her from jumping; while I need a stool to saddle my horse as my bad shoulder prevents me from lifting any weight. We are patient with each other. We are a pair.
7 Healthy Habits for a Senior Dog
Click here to learn more about Suzanne and Dunrovin Ranch