This is Willie. He refuses to eat unless he receives constant words of encouragement. Enjoys the company too. 13/10 (IG: willienelson_seniorpup) #SeniorPupSaturday
Replies
Mines 14 and I have to go outside with her to potty now. She wakes me up everyday @ 3:15 am. She gets breakfast and I get to watch her potty while my coffee brews.
jul 26, 2025, 7:40 pm • 17 0 • view
This is Beni. Before he was 1, he had just come home from being "tutored" (we don't say "neutered" around him). I was keeping him company in his bedroom and played some music for him - of course, music is in the ear of the beholder. Beni Reacts: The first time he heard Jean-Michel Jarre, "Zoolook".
jul 26, 2025, 5:10 pm • 6 0 • view
Jean-Michel Jarre's Zoolook was so innovative it changed the way musicians used synthesizers and sampling in many genres of music for decades. I first heard this album perhaps 15 years ago and it was over 25 years old then. Yes, the French ROCK.
jul 27, 2025, 2:21 am • 3 0 • view
dude thank you for recommendation! I'm listening to it right now and it's 🔥
jul 27, 2025, 9:17 pm • 0 0 • view
Oh yeah, he didn’t like that! Strike 2 dad! 😢
jul 26, 2025, 9:15 pm • 1 0 • view
I love this video!!
jul 27, 2025, 9:45 pm • 0 0 • view
My favorite part is when Beni ducks his head down just before leaving and looks up at me. His expression was so obviously "You've got to be f'n kidding me". 🤣
jul 27, 2025, 9:53 pm • 1 0 • view
He’s just being polite. Constantly making sure you don’t want any because you’re not eating with him. 😆
jul 26, 2025, 5:18 pm • 4 0 • view
One of my cats is like this 25-50% of the time. Cries that he's starving while we remind him he has a full bowl, but he's still just waiting for us to go walk up to it with him and pet him and let him know it's his.
jul 27, 2025, 2:47 am • 0 0 • view
I have heard it said that with dogs, there is no 'sometimes;' there is only 'never' and 'every single time from now on.'
jul 26, 2025, 3:22 pm • 11 0 • view
I had NOT heard this, but it's going to be the thing I say every time one of my coworkers complains about puppy-training from now on.
jul 29, 2025, 11:22 am • 1 0 • view
🤗
jul 26, 2025, 3:02 pm • 0 0 • view
My lovely girl - I still miss her so much - needed this as she got older. And we had to heat her meal up in the microwave.
jul 29, 2025, 1:07 am • 4 0 • view
Aww Willie 😭 my biggest fear with pets is them getting old .
jul 26, 2025, 10:45 pm • 1 0 • view
We currently have elderly dog #7. You just deal with all the changes, day by day, with patience, love, kindness. Appreciate every minute because eventually they break your heart. 💔😢🌈
jul 27, 2025, 3:44 am • 0 0 • view
❤️🥰
jul 26, 2025, 7:54 pm • 0 0 • view
OMG my dog does that...except first she looks at it...then she backs away like i might poison her! then she creeps slowly up..i need to get photos!
jul 29, 2025, 2:14 am • 2 0 • view
🤣🤣🤣
jul 29, 2025, 11:04 am • 0 0 • view
Mine won't eat until he gets a kiss lol
jul 27, 2025, 12:51 am • 6 0 • view
Same for our senior furry mutt. My goal is for him to eat half before the beagles come back to the kitchen to mow through his food too.
jul 26, 2025, 2:55 pm • 3 0 • view
Too cute!
jul 26, 2025, 3:28 pm • 1 0 • view
EVERYONE needs a CHEERLEADER!
jul 26, 2025, 5:37 pm • 0 0 • view
So he likes mealtime conversation!
jul 26, 2025, 9:12 pm • 4 0 • view
Cherish these moments ♥️
jul 26, 2025, 3:55 pm • 0 0 • view
Sometimes the words aren't enough and I resort to hand feeding🤷🏼♀️ what can you do they're family.I feel lucky to have my baby
jul 26, 2025, 11:29 pm • 0 0 • view
OMG, our cat Missy is exactly the same! If you don't tell her what a good eater she and a special princess she is, she won't eat!
jul 26, 2025, 4:40 pm • 0 0 • view
Love the mom's encouragement! Also he might benefit from wet food instead of dry in a raised bowl.
jul 26, 2025, 3:43 pm • 6 0 • view
Someone please tell that sweet dog's mom to lift his bowls off the floor so it's easier for him to eat.
jul 26, 2025, 3:18 pm • 19 0 • view
Seems he's thirsty too....
jul 26, 2025, 3:55 pm • 2 0 • view
Dry dog food. So dry it crunches. It’s not good for them, at the very least soak it.
jul 27, 2025, 7:32 am • 5 0 • view
Yes, same for senior cats. I have special bowls for my one cat who is 15 and has arthritis. Made a huge difference.
jul 27, 2025, 2:39 pm • 0 0 • view
Our Finley does the same❤️
jul 27, 2025, 12:20 am • 0 0 • view
Too cute 😍 when I'm eating all I hear is my mother's voice in my head telling me " boys don't like chubby girls" and "you're never going to find a husband" This is clip much better!
jul 26, 2025, 5:28 pm • 0 0 • view
Willie has a wonderful and thoughtful mom🥰
jul 26, 2025, 7:52 pm • 8 0 • view
willie you're the king of eating
jul 26, 2025, 4:57 pm • 0 0 • view
Aw….. ❤️
jul 26, 2025, 9:40 pm • 0 0 • view
My rescue dog would barely eat when he first arrived & I had no idea it was because he needed me to sit next to him the whole time through. Dim human.
jul 26, 2025, 3:58 pm • 1 0 • view
Eating is complex and dangerous thing. He only does it for you.😂😂
jul 26, 2025, 7:07 pm • 0 0 • view
Willie looks identical to my dog 😭. I had to do the same thing in his later years. And I wouldn't leave the house until he ate so he wouldn't associate eating with me leaving him. We used to walk miles every day before work. It's been 6 years and I still miss him.
jul 26, 2025, 3:57 pm • 2 0 • view
remindme! 1 year
jul 26, 2025, 3:58 pm • 1 0 • view
Reminder set for July 26, 2026 at 10:58 AM CT
jul 26, 2025, 3:58 pm • 0 0 • view
Everybody likes entertainment with dinner!
jul 26, 2025, 2:56 pm • 2 0 • view
vs trying to get my dog not to eat something(my sandwich,unattended) with constant words of discouragement.
jul 26, 2025, 5:06 pm • 0 0 • view
He deserves every word and encouragement ❤️
jul 26, 2025, 8:39 pm • 4 0 • view
That's very interesting. My dog is the same.
jul 26, 2025, 3:54 pm • 0 0 • view
Love Willie, but I have to say: nothing makes food taste better than hunger.
jul 26, 2025, 4:58 pm • 0 0 • view
This could not be any sweeter! 😍🐾
jul 28, 2025, 7:04 am • 0 0 • view
Plot twist: He's ensuring his NPC human isn't broken which requires this daily PMCS during meal time. He's actually being modest in that regard. 😏
jul 26, 2025, 2:55 pm • 2 0 • view
He is so sweet!!
jul 26, 2025, 4:02 pm • 0 0 • view
So cute! I've had a few rescue pups who were the same. They were scavengers while running the streets. So to have a bowl w/food in it just puzzles them and they need to be told over and over again, "Wow, good baby eats her food!!" It's like they need reassurance that, "Yes, the food is all yours."
jul 26, 2025, 4:04 pm • 1 0 • view
My dog won't eat until I stand near the bowl and offer many words of encouragement and usually his first bite as well. He was not like that until my unhealthy Shepherd, who needed serious eating encouragement, died.
jul 26, 2025, 4:36 pm • 13 0 • view
It’s like having a hobby! She’s great with the enthusiasm❤️
jul 26, 2025, 4:46 pm • 0 0 • view
I have a terrier that I have to beg: EAT YOUR BIG DOG DINNER! about 10x before she bothers to sniff it. It’s freakin’ chicken! WTH!!!?
jul 26, 2025, 6:26 pm • 5 0 • view
Problems you just don’t have with a cat…
jul 26, 2025, 11:35 pm • 1 0 • view
...or a labrador.
jul 26, 2025, 11:43 pm • 2 0 • view
What a darling pup!
jul 26, 2025, 5:04 pm • 0 0 • view
Ha k is like a miniature Willie and is exactly the same. You have to constantly encourage him to eat.
jul 26, 2025, 4:02 pm • 4 0 • view
One of my rescues is like this too.
jul 26, 2025, 3:10 pm • 2 0 • view
Making sure his pawrents are still there.😘
jul 26, 2025, 8:33 pm • 0 0 • view
He’s quietly saying thank you for my new dentures!
jul 26, 2025, 3:37 pm • 2 0 • view
Definitely needs to be convinced she means it
jul 26, 2025, 10:09 pm • 0 0 • view
I have an old girl who needs to be ordered, "go eat your food" while pointing at where the food is to get her to eat. Same goes for "potty outside."
jul 26, 2025, 4:23 pm • 1 0 • view
So darn cute😆
jul 26, 2025, 5:56 pm • 0 0 • view
One of my dogs will only eat if I encourage him and tell him what a good boy he is. I'm happy that I'm not the only one who has to do that.
jul 26, 2025, 4:02 pm • 0 0 • view
All dogs deserve this kind of cheerleading. Go, Willie!
jul 26, 2025, 3:42 pm • 4 0 • view
@chubbyanthony.bsky.social and I do this every morning and every night, we feel this struggle!
jul 26, 2025, 3:03 pm • 1 0 • view
As my cats aged I fed them by hand. I even kept a can of wet food beside my bed to feed them at 2 am. Kind of yucky but they felt the love, as did I.
jul 27, 2025, 2:07 am • 0 0 • view
Sweet frosty face!
jul 26, 2025, 6:22 pm • 1 0 • view
This guy here will only eat if someone is in the same room as one of us ♥️
jul 27, 2025, 12:56 am • 10 0 • view
I have a Ziggy that requires the SAME THING. you must sit. You must watch. You must offer encouraging words. You must do it just right or he won’t eat. I’m happy he’s at a healthy weight but our occasional dog sitters are like, “he’s gonna eat something eventually, right?”
jul 26, 2025, 9:00 pm • 2 0 • view
Good boy, Willie!
jul 26, 2025, 2:54 pm • 2 0 • view
I love Willie. My huge American Quartehorse was called Willie. I miss him every day.
jul 27, 2025, 12:34 am • 3 0 • view
In my dog’s last months, he’d only eat soft food or people food, but had to be fed with a fork. I was happy to see him eat.
jul 26, 2025, 6:53 pm • 5 0 • view
This is just pure sweetheart innocence 🥺
jul 26, 2025, 2:53 pm • 2 0 • view
I don’t think Willie can relax so long as that Abominable Snowman pillow on the bar stool is there
jul 26, 2025, 3:53 pm • 1 0 • view
Amber is similar. She sometimes won’t eat until I sit beside her on the floor. Such a silly girl.
jul 26, 2025, 5:10 pm • 0 0 • view
Sweet. He reminds me of my aussie mix. She was an old soul.
jul 26, 2025, 4:08 pm • 1 0 • view
He's got bleacher seating for the cheering section and everything
jul 26, 2025, 2:54 pm • 4 0 • view
❣️❣️
jul 26, 2025, 8:44 pm • 0 0 • view
😂
jul 26, 2025, 2:52 pm • 4 0 • view
Aww. Pupper needs to have his bowls elevated.
jul 26, 2025, 4:11 pm • 0 0 • view
I have one that needs encouragement AND hand feeding! She’s been like this since 8 weeks old. She’s now 7 yrs. We’re making some progress with dinner. Now she’ll eat half by herself 🙃 I’m going to doggie heaven. Love her like crazy.
jul 26, 2025, 7:37 pm • 13 0 • view
Now that's some dedication right there. Thank you for restoring my faith in humanity this morning, and thank you for loving your pets.
jul 29, 2025, 11:20 am • 0 0 • view
I have to remind Abigail that it’s ok to go ahead & eat the food that’s in front of her
jul 26, 2025, 4:55 pm • 2 0 • view
Ok, so the participation trophy thing has made it to the animal world😅 Just kidding. It's adorable.
jul 26, 2025, 4:49 pm • 0 0 • view
His little tail wags when he hears his humans’s voice. 😊
jul 26, 2025, 2:53 pm • 70 0 • view
Elevate the food and water. Owners: 2/10
jul 26, 2025, 5:56 pm • 0 0 • view
That must be exhausting
jul 26, 2025, 11:21 pm • 1 0 • view
I want to change my career and become a Senior Pup Eating Encourager.
jul 26, 2025, 3:01 pm • 103 1 • view
Me too!
jul 27, 2025, 6:45 am • 3 0 • view
Ha
jul 26, 2025, 5:57 pm • 1 0 • view
10/10 I would record myself saying encouraging things and just play it at meal times.
jul 26, 2025, 2:52 pm • 28 0 • view
He appears to be looking straight at her. Maybe she tried that and he wasn’t fooled🤫
jul 26, 2025, 4:47 pm • 9 0 • view
Cardboard cutout of self added?😂
jul 26, 2025, 7:40 pm • 6 0 • view
😹😹
jul 27, 2025, 5:12 am • 0 0 • view
Our 14 yr old Lab still eats like a maniac but he won't set foot outside to peep/poop unless he has an audience to accompany & praise him. He's mostly gone deaf so we have to clap & make eye contact, then lots of pats & hugs. 💗
jul 27, 2025, 3:31 am • 5 0 • view
Good conversation with a meal is so great for digestion. I think Willie might also enjoy some music and candlelight.
jul 27, 2025, 4:58 pm • 7 0 • view
You're the bestest boy, Willie! 🥰😍
jul 26, 2025, 5:18 pm • 0 0 • view
Great job, Mom! 🤗 That takes a lot of love and patience.
jul 26, 2025, 3:03 pm • 2 0 • view
I would happily cheer for Willie at every meal.
jul 26, 2025, 3:07 pm • 1 0 • view
Sweet. Woof
jul 27, 2025, 3:38 am • 0 0 • view
That is hilarious and adorable at the same time.
jul 26, 2025, 4:11 pm • 0 0 • view
Our >15lb mixed breed cat needed u to stroke along both sides of his portly body while cooing encouragingly at him! I called this ‘having to beg him to eat!’ 🙄🙄🙄
jul 27, 2025, 8:46 am • 0 0 • view
You rock, Willie! ❤️😍
jul 26, 2025, 8:02 pm • 0 0 • view
What a sweetie.
jul 26, 2025, 6:11 pm • 0 0 • view
Please get Willie a raised dog dish. He seems to be uncomfortable reaching his dish on the ground. Perhaps he will eat with more ease if his dish was placed higher for him. Sweet Boy!
jul 26, 2025, 4:12 pm • 8 0 • view
I mean, who enjoys eating alone?
jul 26, 2025, 3:14 pm • 2 0 • view
Love Willie ❤️❤️
jul 27, 2025, 3:13 am • 0 0 • view
Good boy... and you're so handsome too!
jul 26, 2025, 3:57 pm • 0 0 • view
He says, please mom…can I get wet food? This dry kibble is lame AF.
jul 26, 2025, 4:54 pm • 1 0 • view
Good boy Willie! I can't relate because I have a Labrador Retriever 🤣🤣🤣
jul 26, 2025, 3:48 pm • 0 0 • view
Awww, love him. What a beautiful, sensitive soul ❤️
jul 26, 2025, 4:11 pm • 0 0 • view
He’s doing such a good job!
jul 26, 2025, 3:32 pm • 3 0 • view
😂
jul 26, 2025, 7:30 pm • 0 0 • view
Miss my senior boy 😢
jul 26, 2025, 3:13 pm • 5 0 • view
😹😹I have a kitty like this. I have to pay her back the first few nibbles
jul 27, 2025, 5:12 am • 1 0 • view
🤗🤗🤗
jul 26, 2025, 5:33 pm • 0 0 • view
jul 26, 2025, 3:03 pm • 1 0 • view
Lol I had a G Shepard who’d only eat calmly if I crouched beside her and laid a hand on her back
jul 26, 2025, 8:49 pm • 1 0 • view
i sprinkle some grated medium cheddar cheese or some sardine oil on Lettie's food and she devours all her food. I also give her a sardine or two. Blue healer/mountain dog mix. Works on the Pomski sometimes. He's a bit more picky.
jul 26, 2025, 3:35 pm • 0 0 • view
Social animal.
jul 26, 2025, 7:31 pm • 0 0 • view
Omg. I thought my dog was silly b/c he will only eat if we’re in the same room. Silly pups
jul 26, 2025, 3:09 pm • 5 0 • view
Mine is the same. Took me a while to understand!
jul 26, 2025, 3:59 pm • 2 0 • view
Bless your heart, Willie.
jul 27, 2025, 5:42 am • 0 0 • view
😊
jul 27, 2025, 12:15 am • 0 0 • view
Would be an honor to cheer for Willie Nelson
jul 26, 2025, 2:56 pm • 4 0 • view
Me too. Unfortunately, because I live by myself, I must play both roles.
jul 26, 2025, 6:47 pm • 2 0 • view
We have one like that. I’ve never had a dog before that wasn’t food driven 😁
jul 26, 2025, 4:55 pm • 0 0 • view
That's a good dog. Animals are just sensitive.
jul 26, 2025, 3:25 pm • 5 0 • view
My dog is 14 this month and showing signs of dementia. He needs encouragement otherwise he’ll forget what he’s doing and wander off. Love you my little bear.
jul 26, 2025, 4:44 pm • 54 0 • view
Most of us in #CorgiCrew find this inconceivable. My pups are done in 30-35 seconds.
jul 26, 2025, 8:54 pm • 8 0 • view
A Golden Retriever I used to dogsit was like this as he got older. I made up a Yummy Doggy Dinner song for him. I think he just wanted dinner and a show.
jul 26, 2025, 3:39 pm • 67 0 • view
Cute.
jul 26, 2025, 3:55 pm • 1 0 • view
Well who doesn’t!
jul 26, 2025, 5:58 pm • 16 0 • view
Yeah, I got one of those... what a good boy, come on let's eat, you got this, good boy. exhausting but I did it .. love my spoiled boy.
jul 26, 2025, 4:07 pm • 4 0 • view
Same, actually.
jul 26, 2025, 5:01 pm • 0 0 • view
What a handsome chap
jul 26, 2025, 2:52 pm • 16 0 • view
All three of my dogs went through this phase. I think it was to test my love and devotion. It worked every time. 🐶💕
jul 26, 2025, 2:57 pm • 15 0 • view
Did any of yours go theough a "hand-fed food only" phase? My dogs didn't, but one of my cats demanded I feed him by hand for a couple weeks after I introduced a second cat to the house 😆
jul 29, 2025, 11:15 am • 3 0 • view
My first dog did. He had been neglected by his previous owners and starved to half of his proper weight. The rescue loved on him, fed him, etc. But he wanted to be hand fed when I first adopted him. He also wanted pets in between bites. We bonded over that. Changed us both for the better. 😊
jul 29, 2025, 12:11 pm • 2 0 • view
Aww, I'm glad he found a home with you! Sounds like you two were right for each other!
jul 29, 2025, 12:20 pm • 2 0 • view
Mine would starve. Luckily they clean out the bowl lickity split.
jul 26, 2025, 3:15 pm • 1 0 • view
My siamese cat Jackson is the same way… his morning feeding I have to feed him on the bed and kiss him on his forehead and tell him I love him.. He’s such a little baby and I love him
jul 26, 2025, 9:07 pm • 3 0 • view
Well it’s just a plain fact he is doing a perfect job 🎉 Go Willie!!
jul 26, 2025, 3:10 pm • 10 0 • view
Good Job Willie!
jul 26, 2025, 3:10 pm • 3 0 • view
They should get the food & water up off the floor so it's easier for such a good boy to eat. #GoodBoy
jul 26, 2025, 6:48 pm • 3 0 • view
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jul 26, 2025, 3:51 pm • 1 0 • view
Willie's clearly a connoisseur of fine affirmation and social interaction, so he deserves to be upgraded to at least a 15/10 for his discerning tastes.
jul 26, 2025, 4:02 pm • 0 0 • view
He might prefer canned food.
jul 26, 2025, 11:42 pm • 1 0 • view
I love him
jul 26, 2025, 2:55 pm • 2 0 • view
You’re a good momma!
jul 27, 2025, 5:17 am • 1 0 • view
I guess we all get to a point in life where we would like a little conversation at dinner.
jul 26, 2025, 5:02 pm • 6 0 • view
A fellow senior who loves encouraging words over kibbles. #bane #pitbull #seniordoggo
jul 26, 2025, 5:23 pm • 22 0 • view
Sweet. Woof
jul 27, 2025, 3:38 am • 1 0 • view
I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing how to properly use #bear spray, and making sure you have a new can with you.
jul 26, 2025, 7:17 pm • 0 0 • view
He gets anything he wants, town hero over here gets the kibble with the cuddles and the tuna on top.
jul 26, 2025, 5:25 pm • 18 1 • view
He's 13, 14 he's getting a very large cake.
jul 27, 2025, 4:42 am • 3 0 • view
Mine too! Did you get him locally? He will be 13 in the next month or so. We got in in October of 2013 in Kamloops. 😊 Give him pats for me! He's very handsome.
jul 27, 2025, 4:57 am • 2 0 • view
October 26th 🥳
jul 27, 2025, 3:43 pm • 2 0 • view
I just read his article. What an incredible boy you have. 🤍
jul 27, 2025, 4:02 pm • 1 0 • view
jul 27, 2025, 4:04 pm • 1 0 • view
Oh my gosh I wonder if they really are brothers! 🎉
jul 27, 2025, 4:00 pm • 0 0 • view
I was asking and the only thing that's throwing it off is the litter mates didn't have the white they mostly all were dark brown like him but it's cool to think so I'm just going to say yes hey fam 🤣🙌 I'm sure if his hips were younger he would be wiggle bum about it hahaha.
jul 27, 2025, 4:03 pm • 0 0 • view
Hahah I agree! Heeeyy! Getting lil senior wiggles over here from Hamish as well. 🐾
jul 27, 2025, 4:06 pm • 1 0 • view
Omg I love the name 🥰🙌
jul 27, 2025, 5:11 pm • 0 0 • view
He is local! 😀 It's very well possible 🥰
jul 27, 2025, 2:43 pm • 0 0 • view