We used to be like mad dog and Englishmen. Would always want to be outdoors no matter what weather. Suddenly on turning 12 years old he has changed, which is lucky for me as I will await a new knee. He now has arthritis so we both walk like old codgers.
Yep, we get that. We don't actually know how old our boy is, the Vet thinks @14yrs now, we've had him @7. But it's not uncommon to get all kitted up in whatever is suitable gear for the Wet, Wind, Cold, or all three, then get to the end of the front path before he turns back towards the front door and lays down. There really is no point in forcing him to go anywhere, but it does usually involve me taking him out in the back garden and staying with him until I've seen he's 'done his business'.
Rescue dogs are the most challenging and most rewarding to have. I’ve only had one dog from a puppy (my first dog) the other 7 have been rescues, all with their issues, some more severe than others but underneath it all they were all great dogs. It’s nearly always the other people that have caused the dogs problems, I’ve never met a bad dog. And yes this is now a dog thread
I have a similar outlook on (most*) people...it's usually their shitty past that makes them the way they are. *some people however were born broken and enjoy spreading ill will around unfortunately.