Oscar Aiken. 2006-2021

Running Icon Dies

An icon of the Vermont running community passed away Friday. Oscar, a mixed breed but mostly yellow lab, breathed his final breaths at home surrounded by family. Oscar was a prolific runner who trained for hundreds of miles and scores of marathon runners -- including years as an honorary member of Vermont's Run With Jan group. Always ready to run, play, eat, or sleep, Oscar engaged in a never-ending quest for food until one week shy of his 15th birthday. He is survived by 4 humans, Gladys the black lab mix, cat siblings Waffle and Pesto, and 11 chickens whom he protected and visited daily. His family feels fortunate to have shared in such a joyful and wonderful life for so many years.

Dear Oscar, Happy November! Have you been enjoying the cooler weather? Longtime Admirer

 

Dear Admirer, Thanks for your support over the years -- it has been the joy of my lifetime to be such an inspiration to my legions of adoring fans! 

This morning, my old footpads just couldn't grip the hardwood floor. My human helped me stand up and guided me across the hardwood and slate to the door. Interestingly, I could grip the layer of frozen granular snow on the deck better than the hardwood.

With my human guiding me for balance, I wandered around the grassy yard -- by the lilac bush, the raspberries, the flower garden, you know. All the good bathroom spots.

It's definitely not the old days when I'd get up and just go run ten miles. But I do love November -- my birth month. And it was nice to get out in some sub-thirty-degree weather and think about the winter ahead and all the fun to be had. 

Keep up the top-flight admiring. It does make a difference for an old dog like me!

Oscar

Dear Oscar, What's New? An Adoring Fan

Dear Fan, The majority of my life has been characterized by being constantly ready to do any of the following at a seconds' notice: run, eat, play, sleep.

I am still living by the same rules -- with some differences. I no longer run with my people. As recently as a month ago, I was able to walk down to the bus stop with the family, but even that is challenging now. Don't get me wrong: I still roam the yard, checking out the chickens and I still visit all the best bathroom spots. I just do it a bit more... slowly. And not quite as gracefully. But I still get out there.

Playing also looks a bit different. Like these days I mostly lay on my side while you pet me. It's awesome.

Eating is the same. Two scoops of Holistic Select, which I inhale in ten seconds mostly without chewing (note: I am aware of those disgusting little pills in there, by the way). Also, I have noticed my human every now and then giving me table scraps. He never used to do that. Also awesome.

And the sleeping is similar, except I'm not really doing stairs these days, Downstairs in the front room and living room is fine for me these days.

I want you to know I still love life and am a happy dog. In my old age, I am okay that things look a bit slower and slightly different. It's all about being in a great spot with loving people. And food. It's always about the food.

Oscar

Dear Oscar, What have you been up to? A Longtime Fan

Dear Fan,

Thanks for the note. I am cruising full speed towards my 15th birthday (in November). I am still quite enthusiastic and I enjoy being pet and brushed. Every so often I walk with the family to the bus stop.

When you visit, I am very polite -- I don't ever jump on anyone. (Note: some claim I can't jump on anyone; I think that isn't the point.)

And for those who don't think I can still jump, I dare you: leave a little food on the countertop. I'll show you who can jump.

Your friend, Oscar