In the Company of an Old Dog

Dougan was adopted into our household when he was 8 months old.  He was a hyper golden retriever – too much dog for a professional woman and her 10-year-old daughter that owned him before.  There was no fenced yard at their house so he spent his days in a travel kennel waiting for his people to return from work and school.

Dogs raised like this are typically neurotic as adults and can never get enough attention and affection.  I know because I have had them before. They live good lives out in my fenced yard in the country with plenty of attention.  He has been kept company by Bandit, an adorable 9 year old Red Heeler that also has had a questionable past.  We are kindred spirits as I too had some rough years in my youth.

Dougie is now over 12, old for a golden retriever.  A few weeks ago I thought he was failing as he was refusing food and limping badly.  I thought it was the  end.  Luckily the vet just pulled a few bad teeth and gave him meds his joints and for an injured ligament.   We are happy he is back being his silly self.  I see myself mirrored in him as I age.

 

OLD DOG

Twelve years of observation

and you know my moods and intentions

without a word being spoken

 

It’s the landscape of the body

And of the eyes

And maybe a bit of telepathy

You and I intertwined in a cross species dance

 

You are bound to me like the moon to the earth

And I to you like a tree to a limb

Four legs to two legs

Fur to furless

 

As your face whitens with age

And your eyes hollow

I know we have measured time

But for now

 

Walk with me on these country roads

Let me feel your warm presence

By my side

My steady companion

In this tenuous world