When I am old....
I shall wear Turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts.
and a bandana over my long, silver hair
and I shall spend my Social Security Checks on
Sweet Wine and My Dogs
and sit in my house on my well-worn chair
and listen to my dog's breathing.

I will sneak out in the middle of a warm Summer night
and take my Nero 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 Children ... 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, 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....
& if you have dogs to love too.

Author Unknown