Sad or bored 10 yr old Great Dane

Question
JJ is a 10 yr old nurtured great dane from rescue. He came to us when he was 6. We had him 2 years before my husband walked out. I kept JJ as I am home all the time. When I wound up in my wheelchair my husband took JJ for about 8 months as I adjusted to my new limitations. I got him back as soon as I was able, my husband worked long hours and left him home alone too much !! Made me very angry. JJ has been back with me about a year now. He doesn't happy tails any more and he just walks slow, lays on the couch, or his bed on my wheelchair ramp. He stays close most of the time. No bad behaviors. However, he doesn't want to play. He isn't sick according to his vet. His markings make him look sad but I just get the feeling he is bored or something --- is he just getting to old to bother and is just content being near his human? I use to take him for car rides his favorite activity in the whole wide world --- up to about 25 mph happy ears blowing in the wind --- but now with my wheelchair lift in car he doesn't fit in my car anymore. I had a joey lift installed in my PT Cruiser. I didn't have a choice. What can I do?

Answer
Marjorie,

Your Dane is very old, he has already gone past the average life expectancy by 2-4 years in most cases. He is slowing down, his  bones are probably achy. I do not think he is sad or bored. I think he is just content on being near you and that is all he needs. I wouldn't read into him too much. If he is eating, drinking, and getting around to go to the bathroom, you should not be worried. If the vet has said that he is not sick, I really wouldn't be overly concerned. You can always see if a doggie daycare will take him for a few hours everyday, depending on how mobile he is, and how he interacts with other animals. You can also get him some IQ toys if you feel that he is bored. Here are a few examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Kong-Wobbler-Treat-Dispensing-Large/dp/B003ALMW0M/ref=sr_1

http://www.amazon.com/Kyjen-I-Qube-Puzzle-Interactive-Junior/dp/B00061MUEC/ref=s

http://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Seek-A-Treat-Shuffle-Bone-Puzzle/dp/B0038WP1YC/ref

http://www.amazon.com/Company-Animals-Ottosson-Tornado-Interactive/dp/B001KZ8FWE

http://www.amazon.com/Buster-Food-Cube-Large-Colors/dp/B0006G54OU/ref=sr_1_29?ie

Good luck and I hope this helps. I love the seniors! They are so wonderful and thankful.