30 January 2012

What Are Old Dogs Made Of?

Old dogs are made of sterner stuff.

From their tender years
they develop familiarity with their surroundings
and affinity with those near to them.
They grow in leaps and loads of faith.
They remain protective
but in their senior years
they look with faith and trust
that in their twilight years
their loved ones will stay by their side.

My father and son senior dogs Sumo and Sweepy
taught me to develop a stronger sense of belonging
to see and sense beyond the ordinary
to accept and revel in unconditional love.
To laugh at myself and the world.
To enjoy my solitude and creative freedom . . .

But in their weakest moments
their incapability to take their leadership role
their sense of drama and heroic pursuits
will be replaced by their selfless surrender
to pass on the role . . .

But old dogs are not so different from other old creatures.
In their senior years, they lose their sense of self worth.
Yet their insecurities and fears are pacified and comforted
by those who chose to love them
and care for their needs.

People came up to me, sent me eMails, texted and called me on the phone, hugged me and tried to comfort my grieving heart thinking I despair caring for my old dog who might leave soon.
But one does not grieve an ailing creature.
One grieves the tender moments and the helplessness of it.

But in our most relaxed state,
when the sun sets,
and the bodies are warmed with love,
we look at each other's eyes
and knew how lucky we are
to have find each other . . .

For Lisa and her meaningful world:


PS. Sumo has decreased appetite but he still moves around with controlled movements. He is very comfortable and we make sure that somebody is always around him. He seem not to be in pain and we assure him that old age is not the end of his existence. His sense of humor will always inspire me. Thank you all for your concern and love!

23 comments:

Nadege, said...

A beautiful post. I have a 26yrs old horse and a 11yrs old dog, I know what is ahead of me. I understand every words and thoughts.

Anonymous said...

i can't help it, i ended teary eyed reading this, i can't stand losing someone like your Sumo...

Jeanne said...

that is so sweet, and brought tears to my eyes... Blessings! Jeanne

Ellie said...

Awe, what a lovely post. Your dog has a lovely gentle face.

genie said...

Lui...That shot of you with your babies is absolutely the cutest one ever. I especially like the words you added to this pos Being an old dog myself - and about to be a year older in a week...UGGGGG 73 - I can really relate to it. If only I could control my appetite. You post has made my day.genie

The Artful Diva said...

Everyone looks so relaxed. Once your pooch wakes up, are you gonna teach him any new tricks? Seriously, I hope you and Sumo have a lot more peaceful time together.

EMily said...

What a sweet post!

ElisabethAndrée said...

Take care, I know how this feels.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful post this is Lui. Sumo is indeed so very fortunate to have you (and Sweepy of course!!) to care for him as he ages. I am so glad to hear that he is not in any pain, and I pray that it remains that way for him.

Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at The Creative Exchange.

Have a fantastic day!

lisa. xo

Karen said...

Precious pups. I think most dogs are still a puppies at heart.

The Chair Speaks said...

Old dogs are faithful and loving. Purrs to golden age!

Tiffany said...

Lovely post...both such beautiful friends.

Tiffany

Marcie said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog!!!

Simon said...

I've been thinking of you and Sweepy and especially Sumo. I am a sucker for the "old timers" and know what it is like to wait. I like how their personalities change a bit-how they seem to appreciate a little breeze with the twitch of their nose-and the joy of going somewhere-and just "being".
That grey muzzle is so sweet. When one knows their dog deeply, they almost hear them. I'm sure you do.
Warm thoughts from chilly Maine to you.

Pat said...

This is such a loving tribute to your dear Sumo and Sweepy.
Sumo is surrounded by those who love and care for him, and surely is comforted. Prayers and hugs to you.

Connie Smiley said...

Such beautiful writing, Lui, about something, obviously, very close to your heart. It certainly touched mine. I love the shot of Sumo sleeping.

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Beautiful post.

Regards and best wishes

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Lui, such a touching post my friend. You have such a good heart and Sumo and Sweepy know this. Please give them a big hug from me.

deb duty said...

Beautiful post and photos. I have a sweet dog at my feet as I type. She's about 10 now. She hasn't slowed down much yet, but I know it's coming.

Cats of Wildcat Woods said...

Oh I think our animal know more than us that this life is just a small step in their entire existence. And even after they are gone, they are still with us.

I cherish my older cats and enjoy each moment with them.

Mira Crisp said...

Hi Lui! The last photo of you and these two lovely gentlemen is so nice and friendly.

Justine said...

what a wonderful post with great pictures

DeniseinVA said...

Hello again my dear friend, just stopping by to let you know I'm thinking of you and still sending hugs :)