Twelve years is a long time. Many things can happen; three moves,a divorce,a re-marriage, two bonus girls, and a grandchild. So much life in those 12 years. So much joy, pain, and celebrations.
Every year, I think, this could be it.
Her last one.
The one in which I say good-bye to my old friend. The one in which I am ready. Am I ready? I think so. I don’t want to see her hurt and in pain. Each year her hips get a little more stiff. Her breathing a little more labored. And her naps a little more deep and long.
I tell myself when she is not interested in eating anymore, then I will know it is time.
But that hasn’t happened.
I am not sure it will happen. This girl lives by her stomach.
And so we celebrate #12! We give her pats and frosted dog cookies. We sing happy birthday.
We celebrate our most faithful companion.
And watch for signs…that those old bones won’t go another day.
Of course, your friends are here. To keep your spirits high.
And your newest friend, in which, there are many mixed feelings about.
Probably because, she steals the show. And she is quite a pest (Mya the Terrible).
At least it is not your tail she declared World War III on (yet).
Old Dog
Why do you stay so near?
Go lie in the sun and drowse.
You needn’t follow my every step,
And jump up when I appear.
Your joints are stiff;
You’ve earned a rest;
Lived your life well;
Passed every test.
And now you’re very dear.Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
You lie close to my side
Each time I pause,
Head in my lap, alert to hear
Every nuance of my voice. You long ago made your choice
And never once looked to the rear.Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
What is it that you hear?
A far-off call, coming closer,
That I, too, know is there?
With each day our time together
Draws nearer to its end.
Please stay a while, old friendby David the Dogman
Happy Birthday, Salem Dixie! Twelve years is a lot of duty, a lot of love, and a lot of heart.
Cheers to my best in show, my sweet companion, and my first doggy love.
Happy Birthday to Salem! Our fur babies are members of the family…I smile that you are celebrating the birthday of this lovely beauty!
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What’s really funny is she is truly a first fur child. I have ALL her paperwork saved. TONS of photos and we celebrate the day of her birth EVERY year. Somehow, I can’t seem to remember the birthdays of the other kids. LOL.
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HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SALEM DIXIE!
“Cheers to my best in show, my sweet companion, and my first doggy love.”
Angelia, I loved that! As well as your photographs. Great captures of Mya and tail. 🙂
Beautiful poem!
X
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Mya is a mess. So glad it wasn’t Salem’s tail. The last time she got in Salem’s way, things did not turn out so well for her. Silly kitty!
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This one hit so close to home, because my Bailey (a black lab/border collie mix, she looks a lot like Salem) will be 11 in November and is showing so many signs of her age. The vet says she has the worst hips and elbows he’s ever seen and she too moves with difficulty too often and sleeps more deeply and for longer periods. The poem brought tears to my eyes.
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Hugs, Carol! It is so hard to watch them ache. I hope we both know when it is time to let our friends go. The poem made me cry too.
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Awww! She may be around for a few more years!
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You are right! Every year we think it is her last! And yet, she keeps on keeping on. 🙂
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Such a sweet post! May she live many more years with you.
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Thanks John! I hope she does too as long as she stays happy. 🙂
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Cheers to another good year. It such a tough thing, knowing your dog isn’t immortal. My girl’s muzzle is getting pretty white and, while she’s only seven, it’s hard to think that she won’t be with me forever. I hope your girl has a number of good years yet to come.
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80 in dog years is getting up there! I love their white muzzles. Their age shows through with such dignity and grace. 🙂 Doggy hugs to you and your girl.
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OMG she’s lovely!! kisses on that nose! Tons of belly rubs! Happy birthday beautiful! May you be loved many more 🙂
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Lots of kisses and rubs her way! Thank you!
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heart warming post – can see tiredness in her eyes but a wet nose, family love and a kitten cat to play with one’s tail, that’s the best part of a dog’s life.
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No cares in the world for sure. Just eating and sleeping. Ahhhhh…the good life.
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p.s. meant to say also what fabulous captures – you’ve great skill with a camera!
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Thanks much! I try to keep the skill alive. 🙂
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Happy birthday, Old Dog. You look so like our Marshall. He was a good Old Dog, too. I hope, for you, some comfy days. Gather up all the love you can from your people. Feel the love,pup.
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Thanks, Gemma! She is getting lots of love. And I told you! They must be related. 🙂
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The resemblance is uncanny, as they say. 😉
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A very moving post and I love the poem too. Birthday wishes to your adorable old companion. Great photos of Salem and friends. 🙂
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Thank you! We are having a party this weekend. 🙂
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Oh my….his eyes look SO tired. It about makes me cry! Happy happy birthday to Salem!!!
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Well, she had just tromped around outside. She was most definitely ready for a nap. 🙂
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This does call for a celebration!
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Yep! Cupcakes and chocolate covered doggie bones. 🙂
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Aww Happy Birthday to the Dear Old Thing! We are in a similar situation. So hard when they insist that life is still good even when it’s hard for them to get around : )
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I know! Poor ol’ thangs! Can’t help, but love that spirit. 🙂
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Awwww what a cute family!
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Aww.. this is so sweet! A very happy birthday dearheart!
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