I just love old dogs... with their gentle spirit and that wise look in their eyes. We always seem to have a number of old dogs living at our house. A couple of years ago we had 5 dogs over the age of 12, and 3 of them were over 14. We only have 2 of the old ones left now, Molly who is pushing 17 years old, and Trooper who will be 14 in January, 2010. Molly is a Cocker Spaniel who is totally blind and deaf, but she gets around our house and yard great. Trooper is, and always has been just what everyone expects of a Labrador Retriever....a wonderful, gentleman of a dog. He is stiff and slow to get up, but is still eager to eat and wander the yard to see what might have crossed through while he was inside. The old dogs offer us a quiet peacefulness that only comes with age.

I was at the off site adoption location of the SPCA a few days ago and met a grand old lady Labrador mix named Brandy. She wasn't the most beautiful dog I have ever seen (Labradors do not age well most of the time) as far as physical looks, but her eyes said it all...she is a sweet ol' soul. She was eager to see everyone and more than willing to give chin kisses to all who would get down within her reach (she seems to be well out of that jumping up stage). I think they told me that she is 10 years old. She was searching everyone who walked through the door, hoping that special person who would be willing to share in her golden years would come in. What a life story she would tell if only she had words. A wealth of life experiences, some good and some not so good. Lots of love to share reflecting in her eyes. I hope her special someone comes in soon!

I do love the sweet old dogs, they have so much to offer us if we only take the time to notice...