Celebrating Two Years of Mowgli on Leap Years: A Tail of Love, Loyalty, and Adventure
Mowgli, a 10-year-old canine companion, has been a source of joy, comfort, and playful mischief for his family since his adoption from a shelter in 2016. Known for his laid-back charm and quirky routines, Mowgli has been using Leap Years for two years, with his pet parent observing notable vitality and zest for life. To celebrate this milestone, Mowgli’s pet parent shared heartfelt insights into his personality, daily adventures, and their deep bond.
Q&A with Mowgli’s Pet Parent
These responses reflect Mowgli’s pet parent’s personal observations.
- Let’s start with Mowgli’s personality – how would you describe him in a few words?
Mowgli is the most laid back, down for anything, sweet, and sensitive boy.
- What’s something totally “Mowgli” – any funny quirks, habits, or routines that make him stand out?
Mowgli has a very specific morning routine. He starts off every day by jumping on his brother then running up the stairs for breakfast. After he eats, he cleans his face by rolling around on the rug (face first) and grumbling dramatically. For a couple hours after his roll-and-grumble he lays on the deck to soak up some sunshine and catch the scent of the neighborhood dogs going by on their walks. He prefers to be left alone for his morning affirmations and doesn’t appreciate being bothered by our other pets.
3. How does Mowgli typically spend his days? What’s his dynamic like with the other dogs in the house?
Mowgli has always been a chill guy, even when we brought him home at just over a year old. He takes naptime very seriously and loves lounging in the backyard. While he’s never one to get overly hyper and excited, he LOVES his daily walks and chasing the squirrels. If we go on a hike, he is his happiest self and can go for miles, as long as there’s a creek to cool off in! He’s a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to our other dogs. He enjoys their company, but he prefers to do his own thing most of the time. If the mood strikes and the weather is cold (his favorite), he does enjoy the occasional game of tug with our 4 year old Doberman, Jocko, but most of the time he thinks Jocko is pretty annoying!
- Mowgli has been on Leap Years® for 2 years now – that’s incredible! Can you share how his health and vitality have changed during that time?
Mowgli was 8 when he started Leap Years and still in pretty good shape. I wanted to make sure he continued to be able to live his best life. Over the last two years I’ve seen improvement in Mowgli’s cognitive function and desire to engage in training, he’s become more tolerant of his much younger and more energetic brother, and his stamina on hikes is fantastic! I keep waiting to see more signs of aging in Mowgli, but aside from getting a little more stiff than he used to be after a lot of exercise, he’s the same ‘ole Mowgli and can still partake in all his favorite activities thanks to Leap Years. No one believes that he’s 10 years old!
- Looking back, what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced together, and how have you both grown from it?
Mowgli was my husband’s and my first dog as adults. I don’t know if there is one specific challenge that stands out to me, but he has been the absolute best buddy to have by our side through multiple moves, career changes, getting married, losing loved ones, and everything else life has thrown at us. He’s the best comfort when we’re down and unflappable when things get chaotic. He has learned to take things in stride and has become one of the most stable dogs I’ve ever met (and I’ve gotten to know many as a trainer!). I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of some Mowgli snuggles when I’m stressed.
- Have there been any proud moments or big milestones in Mowgli’s life that stand out to you?
Mowgli absolutely LOVES chasing squirrels. It’s probably his second favorite thing, right after hiking. For his safety, I couldn’t just let him chase whenever he wanted, so we made it a training goal for him to be able to recall off the chase in case the squirrels ever ran somewhere dangerous for him. When we reached that goal it opened up so much freedom for Mowgli! He gets to have his fun and I don’t have to worry about him getting hurt, or the safety of the squirrels!
- How has Mowgli shaped your life personally – any changes or lessons you’ve taken to heart?
When we first got Mowgli from the shelter in 2016, I was in a bit of a transition period in my life. We had just moved back to Ohio after living in NYC for a few years, and I wasn’t happy with my career path. When we brought Mowgli home he had some minor behavioral problems we had to address. This sparked my interest and led me to a school for dog trainers that Mowgli and I attended together. He was the perfect partner while I earned my certification! I never would’ve thought getting a dog would lead me down a completely different career path, but I’m so grateful that it did.
- What’s one meaningful thing Mowgli has taught you over the years?
If Mowgli has taught me anything it’s how important it is to slow down, lay in the grass, sniff the air, and enjoy the moment. This mindset does not come naturally to me but he helps keep me grounded a little bit every day.
- Do you and Mowgli share any daily rituals or routines that bring you closer?
I make sure Mowgli gets at least a little bit of one-on-one time every day. He seems to value it more than my other two dogs. Sometimes that just means some snuggle time on the couch, and sometimes it means an adventure to a new place for our walk. I know he appreciates it and it’s also nice for me to get to spend time with my old man without my other dogs begging for attention!
- Has Mowgli ever done something that completely surprised you – or felt a little heroic?
A few years ago my husband, Nathan, took Mowgli on a backpacking trip. After hiking all day they stopped to camp and were checking out the area for a good spot to set up the tent. All of a sudden Mowgli froze with his hackles up and started growling. Nathan didn’t think much of it at first but Mowgli was tense and frozen to the spot. They were in bear country so he decided to trust Mowgli’s instincts and find a new spot. They backtracked a bit then hiked for a while longer until Mowgli relaxed and stopped looking back. We’ll never know for sure what he sensed, but Nathan was glad he had his hiking buddy with him!
- If you had to describe your bond with Mowgli in one heartfelt sentence, what would it be?
My bond with Mowgli is one of unwavering trust, loyalty, and unconditional love.
- And if you could tell just one story about Mowgli to someone who’s never met him, what story would you share?
Mowgli was a bit of an escape artist when we first got him, before he and I got some training under our belts. My husband took him to his parent’s house for Mother’s day, where they were hanging out in the backyard. Mowgli managed to get out of the fence and took the opportunity to go exploring. The whole family was out looking for him when my husband got a call from his best friend Zach, who happened to be driving through with his family. Zach had spotted Mowgli in a field (picture rural Ohio: cows and corn) and recognized him. He stopped the car and called to Mowgli, who trotted right over looking very pleased with himself! Zach scooped him up to put him in the car when he realized Mowgli had not only escaped, but he had also rolled in a cow patty. Mowgli is much better about staying close these days, but he’ll never pass up the opportunity to roll in something stinky!
Caring for your dog’s health and well-being involves a balanced approach to diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and preventative care. By addressing these needs, you provide your dog with the best chance for a healthy and happy life. These steps not only help improve your dog’s well-being but can also strengthen the bond you share. For those looking for high-quality dog supplements, consider trying Leap Years Cellular Health combination NAD+ boosting and senolytic supplement. Keep your dog feeling younger, longer. Leap Years can support the well-being of your beloved canine companion, helping them to enjoy life together with you for years to come.
