One of the most heartbreaking things about caring for animals is watching them struggle as they age. Emma, a golden retriever, graced our life for 11 years after we adopted her at age 4. Here she is, age 13, contemplating a porch step at our friends’ home in the Florida Keys. She’s preparing to brave it, aware of the pain her arthritic hips will cause. Once she conquered the step, though, she didn’t dwell on the pain or the difficulties of getting older. She just moved on and continued to enjoy her life.