Old dogs and old parents

Having old dogs is like having old parents. Sometimes, I just wish they would get it over with and die already. Other times, I feel honored that the universe has made me their guardian.

About Bonnie—the dog in the picture. She’s a blue heeler, 14 years old, blind, arthritic, and going deaf. Even with all this, she still loves to play fetch, only instead of throwing the ball off mountainsides or across rivers like I used to do, I now roll it up against her in the corner of the living room.

14 comments:

Punk Chopsticks said...

ahahaha that looks just like my previous dog fluffy!!! He's a half doberman, half rottweiler and we thought the name would just complete the package.

Your dog is adorable, I'm sure he's blessed to have an owner like you x)

The Tusk said...

I am sad from the day I know they must leave me, and for that I try to treat them with as much respect sd possible. Poop and all.

betty said...

lots of wisdom here; really truly so! Something to really ponder considering our present situation!

betty

Elephant's Child said...

And old cats too. Though I have had cats who I have missed and mourned more than either parent.

Mim said...

Perfect description of human/canine partnership

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

So true...

Snowbrush said...

About Bonnie--the dog in the picture. She's a blue heeler, 14 years old, blind, arthritic, and going deaf. Even with all this, she still loves to play fetch, only instead of throwing the ball off mountainsides or across rivers like I used to do, I now bounce it close to her (so she can hear it) in the corner of the living room.

THINGS YOU'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME said...

Just this morning I was holding Beau's head in my hands and staring into his eyes, wishing that the same thing that happens, century after century, could pass him by. I almost think I love him too much but he gives so much love back to me.

Robin said...

Ah, Snow...this is hard.... in fact, it is the only really rough thing about having a pet....dealing with their agedness (is that a word or a Robin-ism)..but then, it is the same with loved ones.

I see I have been referring to Bonnie as "Blue".... "Healers" are really special dogs... I have a dear friend who has a Healer/Border Collie Mix... and the intlligence is astounding....
Bonnie may be blind, partially deak and arthritic.......BUT....she knows you, Peg and Brewsky are there..and she still loves to play fetch... how wonderful! My Ex has our Lab (now 10 years old)....I miss him so much (the Lab, not the Ex)....and though I know he is lowing down....I would give anything to be a part of it.
You and Peggy are EXCELLENT parents to your Furry Ones....and that's what it is really all about!

Love to all,

♥ Robin ♥

Snowbrush said...

Robin wrote: "she knows you, Peg and Brewsky are there.."

Yes, and she has made several serious attempts to kill one of us. Brewsky will do things like bite Bonnie's ear, and then run away, or else run at Bonnie, bounce off her side with his feet, and then run away. If Bonnie could see, that cat would have been dead long ago, but as it is, Brewsky has the good fortune of speed, maneuverability, and good luck. As for calling Bonnnie by the name of Blue, her full name IS Bonnie Blue, so you're correct either way.

Beau's Mom, your words remind me of the poem "Dirge Without Music" by Millay. It goes:

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.
Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, --- but the best is lost.

The answers quick & keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They have gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

Kerry said...

I get this. My mother is 90 years old, and ready to go. She still has beauty in her life, but she has already let go of so much. Like an old old dog.

Bonnie has already outlived the majority of the dogs I've had. There is something indescribably sweet about a dog that old.

Christy said...

I remember when our Boxer Georgie arrived at the place where she couldn't play with the kids anymore. It was sad. You have so much fun with them in their early years and you watch them go downhill in their later years. Because they are part of the family, it tears you apart.

I'm always glad they were mine. I got to share their life.

All Consuming said...

I know just what you mean. She's a real beauty Bonnie x

Zuzana said...

There is something in her eyes. Some sadness and also wisdom. It is as if she knows something we do not.;)
xoxo