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Saturday, February 18, 2012

FRIENDSHIP

Our Jack is probably close to 14 years in human age. He's been with us since 2002 and was an adult when we adopted him. He's a little slow getting up, and very slow walking... unless there's a strange dog on the other side of the gates and then Jack finds enough energy and agility to put up an impressive vocal and threatening performance. But most of the time, he just meanders through his golden days and we all try to anticipate his needs so that he stays comfortable.


One of the things that's going on as Jack ages, is that it's difficult for him to make up his mind what a command means. Or possibly, he's just thinking that he's old enough to make his own decisions now and has earned the right to decide when to come inside from the yard. Often when my  husband or I open the front door and invite the dogs back inside the house, Jack will wobble to his feet and then stand there for several minutes looking at us while he ponders the situation.


This morning, while the dogs were outside, a heavy rain started to fall. DH went to the door to call the dogs and get them inside before they got drenched. Everyone except Jack came running in out of the rain. Jack slowly, agonizingly lurched up on his back legs, managed to stand up, took a couple of steps forward and then stopped. He either wasn't sure what to do or wasn't sure he wanted to do it. DH called to him a couple of times while GG stood in the doorway and watched. The rain started falling harder and Jack still stood there. 


Finally, GG ran back outside into the rain and went over to stand beside Jack.She pressed up against him, then walked with him over to a bush where he lifted his leg. When he was finished, GG escorted Jack to the front porch and up the steps and into the house. Now he is snoozing on his orthopedic bed in the master bedroom, while GG lies just outside the door. 


Great story, huh? 

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful story of friendship. Thank you for sharing it. We needed a happy story!
Love to you!
Lashes

Anonymous said...

Heartwarming story! (So why did it bring tears to my eyes?)

SSylvia

Marilyn173 said...

I too have a 14 yr old dog. You told the story beautifully.
Marilyn

Ms. A said...

A helper for Jack, how wonderful!

Have you considered Jack may be hard of hearing. It sure happens to a lot of us "old dogs".

Molly the Airedale said...

You have my mom in tears! I love you, GG!

Love ya lots,
Mitch

Anonymous said...

How awesome is that, shows what wonderful trainers, airedale lovers, etc. you all are. GG obviously loves her friends, beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing.
Take care,
Lucy (silent MOD from troy,ohio)

The Thuglets said...

Definitely a great story!
Maybe they are trying to tell you she needs to stay!

Have a great weekend
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx.

P.S. Pleased our little video made you smile!