Australian radio personality Nat Locke has opened up about the emotional reality of watching her beloved dog Lewis grow older, sharing intimate details about their 12-and-a-half year journey together that will resonate deeply with pet owners across the country.
The Reality of an Aging Companion
Lewis is now approximately 90 in human years, and Nat has become acutely aware of his mortality. While he's not immediately facing health crisis, she acknowledges the inevitable truth that all pet owners must eventually confront. "My dog is dying," she states bluntly, before clarifying: "Don't panic. He's fine. It's just that I've become acutely aware of his mortality. He's dying in the same sense that you and I are dying — one day at a time."
The Perth-based broadcaster admits she'd love for Lewis to live forever, but recognizes the importance of being realistic about his advanced age. She even humorously considers the extreme alternative taken by celebrities like Tom Brady, who famously had his dog cloned, but quickly dismisses the idea. The fundamental problem with cloning, she realizes, is that there's no guarantee the new dog would inherit Lewis's unique personality - which is precisely what makes him so special.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Owner and Pet
Nat perfectly captures the sentiment shared by dog owners everywhere: "The thing about owning a dog is that everyone thinks their dog is absolutely the greatest. Of course, I'm the only one who is right, but I'm prepared to admit that all the others are equal second."
What she cherishes most about their relationship is the unconditional enthusiasm Lewis shows whenever she returns home. "When my dog Lewis was younger, he would bound down the hallway as soon as he heard my car pull up," she recalls. Now that his hearing has declined with age, she often finds him sleeping and must gently wake him, but the resulting delight on his face remains just as powerful.
Their long history together has created deeply ingrained habits and understanding. Nat reveals that she still automatically says "Sorry Lewis" when she sneezes, a leftover reflex from when he would startle and run away at the sound. This small detail illustrates how thoroughly integrated he has become in her daily life and routines.
Understanding Lewis's Unique Personality
After more than a decade together, Nat has developed an almost psychic understanding of Lewis's behaviors and preferences. She knows to intervene quickly when enthusiastic puppies approach him, preventing Lewis from "correcting" their behavior by rolling them or pinning them to the ground. She understands his particular dislike for young, unneutered male dogs, despite his own neutered status dating back 12 years.
Lewis's food-related antics provide both frustration and amusement. Nat knows he'll inevitably try to eat the cat's dinner, even if it means injuring himself in the process. "He once got stuck in a chair because the lure of salmon and chicken paté was just too appealing," she shares. His car behavior follows a predictable pattern of jumping between seats before ultimately settling in the passenger footwell.
Other quirks include his love for visiting the vet but resisting actual examination, his fear of hairdryers and clippers, and his tendency to scout the kitchen counters for unattended food. "Yes, he's a weirdo," Nat admits affectionately. "But he's my weirdo and I'm used to him and it's hard to comprehend what life would look like without him."
The Bittersweet Journey of Senior Dog Ownership
Nat eloquently describes the emotional complexity of living with an aging pet as "the agony and ecstasy of owning an old dog." On one hand, there are years of joyful memories and companionship; on the other, the painful awareness that every day brings them closer to separation. She acknowledges how Lewis has shaped her daily routine, social life, and even her step count through their regular park visits.
While Lewis isn't facing immediate health concerns, Nat recognizes the importance of emotionally preparing for the inevitable. In the meantime, she's determined to cherish every moment - whether he's sleeping, "yelling at puppies," or indulging in his favorite forbidden cat food. "And I wouldn't have it any other way," she concludes, capturing the profound acceptance and love that defines the human-canine bond.
