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!