Kyle went to the vet for a checkup yesterday. He likes going because the people that work there gush all over him like they've never seen such a wonderful dog. (They may treat all animals that come there like this, but I only have one, and that's how they always treat him.) The vet is the ONLY place (hmmm...that I know of, anyway) where he stands up on his back legs with his front legs up on the counter, and greets the office workers. They all act like that is so funny, but I am sure they see dogs do that ALL day long. But they act like mine is special. He IS a sweet boy, and is well-behaved. He does not slobber on people or jump on them when they come into the house. He is not a counter-surfer, and as a puppy only chewed up one stuffed animal (sorry, Katie) and my glasses case (only THE cutest glasses case I have ever owned). The only only time he barks is when he gets all riled up from playing.
But, my baby-dog is getting old. Age-wise, he will be nine this June, but it has always seemed like just a number. Another birthday, just add a "one" to last year's number. He is starting to get up more slowly, and occasionally has a little limp. The vet said it is probably a bit of arthritis. Arthritis!? That's for OLD dogs (and people)! Kyle's still practically a puppy!
When I was there I saw a little chart showing how old your dog really is, which said for a large breed dog that being nine is equal to being 55, which is considered a "senior". And that when he turns 10, he is considered "geriatric". Geriatric? My sweet little baby-dog?
Where did the time go? I still vividly remember bringing Kyle home in the car, holding him in my arms because he was whining and crying so much we couldn't just let him ride in a cardboard box, safely nestled between two kids. Wasn't that just a couple of years ago?
I don't mean to get all weepy and sad here---this is not a eulogy. He still has quite a lot of energy and I know he'll be with us for a few more years. I just hope the last few don't go as quickly as the first nine.
I am a photographer, an Aggie, a wife, a mother, a preschool teacher, a runner (all of those in chronological order); lover of books, coffee, Mexican food, Hawaii, and Red Vines licorice (all of those not necessarily in that order).
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