I’ve been keeping my daughter’s dog while she and her family are off on vacation. He is a cute little Boston terrier with that classic black and white color pattern. Black ears and eyes, with the white stripe running down the center of his forehead through his snout, black body with white paws.
And he is old. Really old. Age has taken its toll on this loyal family member. He can’t see out of one eye, can barely hear, and has trouble walking due to arthritis. He struggles to chew his food because his teeth are wearing out. Worst of all, he snores. I mean, really snores, like a drunken sailor on a park bench. All night, and most of the day, he rattles the window shutters and vibrates the dishes with his buzzsaw breathing. I lie in bed listening to the roar, and wonder how such a little animal can emit such a thunderous noise.
When I’ve had enough, I get up and approach him, thinking maybe I can jostle him, wake him up, or turn him over in such a way so as to stop the snoring. Do they make a CPAP for dogs? But just as I get ready to give him a gentle poke, I can’t help but notice he looks so peaceful and content when he is zonked out. It’s probably the only time, I think, when he is not aching and feeling the afflictions of his many years. I can’t bring myself to disturb him.
Maybe, deep down inside, I feel as though one day that will be me, elderly and infirmed, longing just to sleep for relief from pain and the erosion of my body. Psalm 71:9 says “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.”
We really need to love and respect the oldest among us. They have run a long and hard race, and are just trying to cross the finish line the best they can. It’s easy to become impatient and frustrated with them, but we’re all headed there, and we’re going to need all the grace we can get.
So I’ve decided to just put up with the dog’s snoring. Besides, my daughter will be back in a few days to take him back in. One day, she may have to do the same for me.
I enjoyed the article. I used to say of a preacher, It’s like he’s been reading my mail. In other words, He understands my life. I’ll say the same for you Ken. You live in the same reality as most of us. I’ve enjoyed every article. They are refreshing. Keep the pen moving.
Thanks so much Jimmy. Much appreciated.