2.14 in the morning and I'm woken by the gentlest of pressure on my arm. Not so much a scratch as a tentative dab. There in the darkness, sitting by the side of the bed staring, just staring, is Wilf. A quick rush downstairs to open the door to let him out into the garden. He looks first at the open door, then he looks at me, then he sighs. " All I wanted was a chat and some reassurance ". At the foot of the stairs we reminisced and laughed - reassurance aplenty. He quickly dozes off to dream of walks on the beach and mountains to be reclimbed. For me another reminder that the routines of the last nine and a half years are becoming less set.Things we're learning. When you have an older dog time has its own rhythm , trust is everywhere and shared, and at the start of each day the morning stars really do sing out a special welcome. When you have an older dog contentment is woven into the folds of the day.
Old dogs are the best. Like puppies but with a history. Bless you and Wilf.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those quiet times--even if they come at an inconvenient time.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe Digby ATE a bird. So far, Bella just kills them. Of course, she hasn't been left with one for very long.
XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella
BOL! Thats a good way to make sure they are payin attention to you Wilf!
ReplyDeletewags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog
Hi Wilf,
ReplyDeleteWas it your Dad snoring that kept you awake?
So cute of you to use the gentle dab on the arm...I would use the elbow in the ribs method next time!!!
OR were you just checking you flock at night?
Enjoy your day.
PON wiggles and kisses,
ROO XXX
Ah, memories of Hamish's last year. Not all positive. There was an increased tetchiness and even occasional aggression, that at the time I attributed to 'grumpy old man' syndrome, but now wonder if the brain tumour contributed to his behaviour changes. It sound like Wilf's decline is making him more affectionate so far, ad that is good to hear.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Gail.
this brought back so many memories of my old boy....enjoy these momemts..sending a hug to you all..x
ReplyDeleteHappy sunday sweet boy. Cuddles to you.
ReplyDeleteContentment woven into the folfs of the day. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteWell said Angus.
ReplyDeleteMemories of my sweet Java-man came flooding back as I read this - he just had to memorize us before he left us. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Such a good boy is Wilf. Such good parents too.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel - with an older dog, the sweet moments are those quiet ones, filled with love and trust.
ReplyDeleteAngus: How true, even if the contentment is at 2am.
ReplyDeleteZach's mom
One thing I did was spend a night or too camped out on the floor with Cisco. She seemed to enjoy knowing I was just a few inches from her, and they were absolutely perfect moments with her.
ReplyDeleteSam
So very true! We go through a very similar routine with Miss Lilac. She loves to keep us on our toes!
ReplyDeleteI discovered your Wilf and Digby blog a few months ago and have so loved reading your very descriptive writings. You caught my attention because I love dogs, but further, I have have the most wonderful dog who resembles your PONs except is blond with brown ears. He is a rescue and we knew not what his breed was, until we saw your PONs. I wish I could send you a picture of our Bosley. We do love him so. Charming, sweet, gentle and funny...so much in common with your Wilf.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you and I have cried while reading the news of Wilf's decline in health. Way over here in North Carolina there are prayers and love going towards you. And thank you so much for the wonderful journal you have given us on Wilf, Digby, and your French experiences.
I will be hoping for the very best of all possible endings ... wishing for no ending at all, but knowing it will come.
There is nothing as sweet as an old dog.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't like a little reassursnce, in the dark of night, from the one they love most?
ReplyDeleteDark always seems to scramble our thoughts. Small lights left on will help him to reorient his thought processes. We are sure you do this already but we so feel the need to help. Kisses on your soft,sweet head,Wilf
I think all of us occasionally need that reassurance when we awaken in the middle of the night. How touching that your Wilf knows he can ask his trusted friend for what he needs.
ReplyDeletexxx Joan
Dogs never get too old to teach us something new...
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Love,
Janelle and Maggie Mae
Another day of grace being surrounded by love. The assurance may come in different ways, words, pat on the head, rubbing of the ears it all depends on the bond that we build with our furry pals. Having an old dog also provides us with a lot of reassurance through his own special way.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max
wilf may have been the one needing reassurance, but he didn't fail to return the favor. beautiful post.
ReplyDeletethe booker man and asa's mama
Awe yes I've had these stares at the side of the bed myself, I'm lonesome I just want you to get up he says.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of you and Wilf sitting at the bottom of the stairs for a chat...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Wilf appreciates having such a good friend in the wee small hours. True friendship is being there for each other, and perhaps Wilf was wanting to reasure you too on this journey you, the font and Wilf are on.
ReplyDeleteOld age brings into being some extraordinary moments, that often don't make sense at the time but become treasured memories.
Sending you woofs and love,
Riley
Angus,
ReplyDeleteYour comment on Maggie Mae's blog made my day!
Janelle
Angus
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Wilf can come to you for that support and always get it and the understanding and love, make his days special and happy..even if they're not the same
we think of all of you and send our love and support and hope that there are many may more special days
smoochie kisses from ASTA
I think of Wilf often and it reminds me to hug my little dogs that much tighter. I know though they're young, their time will be here soon enough and I'm not ready for it. Nor am I ready for Wilf to go.
ReplyDeleteMy dogs have both woken me up in the middle of the night for an extra cuddle and reassurance too. While I'm annoyed at the time, I do appreciate that special time with them.
Such a gentle tender sharing. Once again, thank you. And once again, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteJake and Fergi and Sally (filled with emotional, and, yes, tearful reminders of Sweet Molly)
Lovely.
ReplyDeleteJim
And somehow, when the time is short, we humans figure out how to slow down and savor the moment - something canines spend their entire lives trying to teach us.
ReplyDeleteCan you see me? I am standing up and applauding!
ReplyDelete