I am a new participant on this board. I have no special issues or questions at this point. But as a courtesy to my fellow members, please allow me to share something with you, something I received from a marvelous woman who adores her Border Collies. I hope you find it as enjoyable as I did:
When I am old ———
I shall wear Turquoise and soft grey sweatshirts, and a bandana over my long, silver hair. And I shall spend my Social Security cheques on Sweet Wine and My Dogs, and sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen to my dogs’ breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow.
And when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I walk out and show them my dogs, and talk of them and about them: the Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today.
I still will work hard cleaning their runs and mopping and feeding them and "whispering their names in a soft, loving way.
I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel; and I will be an embarrassment to all - and my family - who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends —
These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall, and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you are a God, with warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will stay and hug their big, strong necks - and kiss their dear sweet heads - and whisper to them of your love and the beautiful pleasure of their very special company —
I look in the Mirror - and see I am getting old — this is the kind of woman I am - and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me, and they accept me for who I am. My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives.
When I am old this will be important to me - you will understand when you are old — and if you have dogs to love too.
~author unknown
*Lord, help me to become the man my dogs think I am.*
