I love my dog Brooks so much. I got him at 7 weeks old. On December 15th he will be 14 years old. I call him my soul dog.
Right now I am sitting on the ground right next to him as I type. He breaths heavier these days. I can hear his gentle pant.
What a sweet face he has and has always had. I call him my emotional dog. I can always tell what he is feeling whether he ate something he shouldn’t have or doesn’t feel well.
He has started to slow down in the last year. First it was that he walked slower on walks. Then he fell on the stairs a few times and it hurt my heart. I knew my boy was aging.
Recently he was diagnosed with bad arthritis in his front right leg and had to rest for a few weeks. Sometimes he goes #2 without knowing it on the floor, couch or in my upstairs bedroom. There are moments when I am a little frustrated…
But most of the time what is beautiful is that I look at him and say it is ok boy. I love you and know you can’t control it as well or forget. He sleeps often but wants to wander around still in my neighbor’s yard. Occasionally he gets a big spark and barks at me to play or runs after me still outside even with a big limp.
It is both sad and a privilege to watch him age. I worry about his health often. I would do anything for Brooks. He has and continues to give me unconditional love. It is hard to describe. So many laughs, tears, joys and adventures together. Hikes in the woods, endless times on a patio at a coffee shop, runs on the beach and of course he still hates bathes!
So today I am grateful that I am noticing him aging and at least home with him all the time. I don’t want to miss any moment. I don’t know how long he has left but I am making the most of the time we have together.
I love my boy. And watching him age is part of life. I am now reaching down to give him a big hug and lay on the floor with him. His gentle licks and smelly breath always make me laugh.
So buddy today, I just wanted to say thanks for the love, patience, support and for just being my rock. I hope we have at least a few years left but I won’t take any of our time for granted.
