Old dogs
Gray around the temples and chin
Walk with a limp
A stiff gait
But still try to chase squirrels up gnarled oaks
Old dogs
Still enjoy slow strolls down friendly streets
Sniffing everyone they meet
Greeting neighbors and young pups
Even though they don’t smell much anymore
Old dogs
Reminisce about their youth
Days when you threw the ball in the park
And they could run like the wind and you tired long before them
Old dogs
Are more interested in tummy rubs and loving scratches behind the ears
Than in begging for treats
Or playing tug-of-war with an old rope
But they’ll still gather the energy to play
If it will make you happy
Old dogs
Embarrass easily
When the mailman sneaks up on them unnoticed
They look around to make sure you didn’t see them
Letting down their guard
Old dogs
Try hard to do their duties
Even if you tell them that it’s time
Time for them to be cared for now
Old dogs
Will muster up excitement when you come in the door
After a long hard day
They won’t let you think for a moment
That you weren’t missed
Old dogs
Fall asleep next to you and don’t wake up when you leave the room
When they do wake, they struggle to their feet
Joints stiff, and go searching for you
Old dogs
Are wiser than young dogs
They know the value of a life-long friendship
They don’t care about slippers anymore
Just companionship and loyalty
Old dogs
Can’t hear or see very well
Except with their hearts
They are selfless souls
Growing more pure with each passing year
Old dogs
Feel shame if they can’t keep up with you
Until they see their own heart shining back at them
And then they know
They’ve taught you what you needed to learn
Their work is done
Because when old dogs
Take a piece of your heart
With them when they go
You’re still better off for having known them
Because with an old dog
Your heart grows larger through each and every
Old dog you’ve ever loved.
—Christina Knowles
Disturbing the Universe 
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