Old and in the Way

Many of you know Lester, my loyal canine companion of sixteen years. Those of you who knew him when he was in his prime would probably be somewhat saddened by his old-manness these days. The black in his coat has been replaced with gray, arthritis has slowed him way down, and he doesn't always make it outside before he moves his bowels. Just this morning I stepped in a surprise that he left me on the bedroom floor. I had tracked it all over the house as I got the boys ready for school before I realized what I had done. Then it was time for the big tidy-up. Ugh.

Well, here's the thing. Lester needs my love and affection as much as he ever did. Sure, he may be a little harder to love with his grouchiness and mess-making ways, but I love him even more than ever. When I'm on the couch watching TV, he comes up to me and lays his chin on my knee. When I'm at the stove making supper, he will rub himself against my legs as a cat might do and then goes off to a soft corner and make himself as comfortable as he can. He likes to play guard dog, even though he can't hear what's going on around him. Still, he's letting me know: I'm old and don't get around so well anymore, but I still love you and watch after you and yours.

So, last night I got down with him on the (freshly cleaned) bedroom floor and gave him a good head-to-tail rubdown. Then I took a warm washcloth and washed the goop out of the corners of his eyes. (Why do old dogs' eyes get so goopy, anyway?) Today I made a grooming appointment for him. And the next time I have to clean up a smelly surprise, I'll try to be a little slower to anger. After all, Lester needs to know that even though he's old, he's certainly not in my way. He's my faithful friend and deserves to be shown the proper respect.