Discover Gunnar’s story at 17
Gunnar, a gentle, cuddly soul with a subtle humorous side, recently turned 17—a testament to the enduring presence he’s been through every twist and turn of life. From chasing trails with unfiltered joy to those playful, springy leaps when running off leash, his spirit remains as vibrant as ever.
Gunnar began taking Leap Years almost two years ago, and his family has noticed meaningful shifts—more awareness, more connection, and those little sparks of curiosity returning. To celebrate his recent 17th birthday and all that he is, his pet parent shared a glimpse into the daily habits, endearing traits, and deep bond that make Gunnar truly one of a kind.
Milestone Memories
One of my favorite memories from this past year was taking Gunnar on a road trip. Even at 17, he loves being out in nature—sniffing around the campsite, relaxing in the fresh air, and curling up to sleep in the tent with us at night, just like he always has. He doesn’t go as far on the trails as he used to, but he still wants to be part of everything. It’s also where I took one of my favorite photos of him looking out the backseat window.
Future Dreams
My hopes for Gunnar now are simply to keep him feeling as happy as he is today. He truly is the happiest dog—every day seems like his new favorite day.
We were lucky to travel together a lot when he was younger, so keeping him comfortable and letting him enjoy the simpler moments—like neighborhood walks and extra treats—is all I really want for his next chapter.
Health & Vitality at 17
Since starting Leap Years at 15, Gunnar has regained his confidence, and the spark he got back has stayed steady. He’s still really aware of everything going on around him. On walks, he’s the dog who sniffs the most, and he still carries himself like he thinks he’s younger. We’re always surprised when he jumps off our bed in the mornings on his own—it’s quite high, but he just goes for it, no fear!
Advice for Fellow Pet Parents
We recently got him little socks to help with slipping on our hardwood floors, and now he bounds around the house—you can hear him coming like a tiny horse.
My advice is that while you’ll need to make adjustments as they get older, they often still have a huge desire to be part of everything. We still do daily walks (shorter now), bring him with us for dinner on patios, and take him along for lots of car rides. I think keeping our routine has helped him stay happy and active despite his age.
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 booster 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.
