As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed little things happening that weren’t issues in my earlier years. I am thankful for each and every day, but mysterious aches, pains and maybe a couple pounds have crept in. My gray hair seems to be coming in quicker than before, meaning less time between root touch-ups. I wake up more often during the night to use the bathroom, occasionally walk into a room and forget why and despite getting tired quicker—especially when out late—I struggle to stay asleep once in bed.

I’ve watched friends and family members navigate similar issues, so I knew these things, and more, were coming eventually. But what I never considered is that similar things happen to dogs. Or maybe I just didn’t want to go there.

It’s not that our approximately 10 to 12-year-old family dog, Cinnamon (aka Cinni), a Chihuahua-French Boxer mix, is decrepit or anything, but she is noticeably aging. She enjoys quietly hanging out in her indoor kennel, on the couch or on her pillow and sleeps more than before, but I sometimes hear her moving about during the night.

She can’t handle long walks or jumping off certain heights anymore, she eats less than she used to, and we have to cut up even the tiniest treats for her. She’s also a little less tolerant of her sister Remi Lulu, a very hyper 4-year-old Beagle and her tiny cousin Opal, an even more hyper Pomeranian puppy who stays over some weekends. But one thing I never thought about, because I’ve never had a dog this long, is that dogs get gray hair too.

During her last vet visit, I left feeling a bit sad because the doctor came in, immediately started loving on her, and said, “Aww, look at this beautiful little sugar face,” explaining that’s what she calls dogs with graying heads and faces.

That led to a brief conversation about caring for an aging dog, and afterward, I read more about it. I gathered that besides keeping up with their health, the best thing to do for your pup in their older years is to shower them with extra love and provide the security they need to get through their days. One article even mentioned that dogs can sense their own limitations better than we can, so sometimes sticking by your side or wanting to be rubbed, cuddled, or talked to is all they need to feel secure. Just like people.

Since then, I’ve made it a point to give Cinni the extra gentleness she needs to feel as safe and loved as possible. Because one day far, far away when she’s nearing the rainbow bridge crossing, I want to be certain she knows her home here is filled with people (our kids especially) who love her dearly and appreciate what a good doggie she’s always been.

Our sweet little sugar face.