Old Dog

I want someone to take me home, just like my juniors. I’m basically good-natured. My tail wags, maybe a little slower than you’d like. Oh, my legs have their stiff days, and my colors aren’t as brilliant as they once were, now that my hairs are mixed with gray. I wait in my pen for you to visit and when you do, I’m happy to see you approach. Maybe you just walk by me. Maybe you stop and say, “Poor old dog!” And maybe your eyes turn away, because I remind you that, you also, are aging every day.

When you walk by my pen without stopping, I know, as you do, I’ve lost my chance to show you how wonderful and majestic an animal I really am. I’ve done nothing wrong; I just got older, as you do, one day at a time. 

I don’t know where the time went! Just yesterday, I could run and play for hours and jump so high! Now, I move more cautiously. My eyes and body movements aren’t as coordinated as they once were. Still I love to have fun, if in a more subdued way. I want to experience new things and challenge my mind, while I am able. My jumps are measured in inches - the same jumps that were once measured in feet.

Don’t pity me, because I don’t pity myself! I’ve had good times and bad times in my life, just like you.

What time I have left, I’d like to spend with a loving family. I wish I could keep you with me forever, but I can’t, just as one day you’ll have to leave your loved ones behind. Can’t we just make the most of today?

Soften your eyes and look at me with the same excitement as if you were looking into much younger eyes. Spend some time with me and see beyond the signs of aging, see my heart, come to know my soul. I have so much to offer.

I wait in my pen, looking for a human companion to come along, hoping that you will stop by and stay with me awhile. Look beyond the superficial, look deeper and open your heart.

Take me home. We’ll sit together and think profound thoughts. I’ll lie next to you and support you when times seem bleak. We’ll face life together, whatever time it is that we have to share. When the time comes for us to part, I’ll go with grace and watch over you from above.