The eager eyes. The wagging tail. The soft lick. The dancing paws and jingling dog tags. How can anyone resist that furry little creature – the family dog?

I will admit right up front that I may not be half as crazy about your dog as my own. In fact, I never imagined being a dog owner. I am a neat freak – and dogs are so… messy. However, in an effort to “complete” our happy, growing family and answer the pleading from two insistent children (three, if you count my husband), I relented, and the rest is doggy history. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

The kids hand picked a fuzzy, buff-colored Cocker Spaniel from a sea of puppies at the breeder. We named her Shane (boy name, girl dog – whatever). And she stole our hearts. Thirteen years later, she still greets us at our bedside every morning as if she is thanking us for another day to share together.

Thirteen years is OLD in Cocker years… way past “senior” and “mature”… she’s into “borrowed time.” Shane is deaf, has limited vision, sports an army of warts beneath her curly coat, limps and is an impossible snorer. She is showing all the tell-tale signs of aging. But, this beautiful female canine can teach us all a thing or two about aging gracefully:

1. She never complains or broods. Whatever her ailment, she adjusts to the new circumstance and moves forward.
2. She has an incredible pain threshold. The ONLY time she demands attention for her pain is if it is a serious situation… she never cries wolf.
3. She has abundant enthusiasm. She will always say “yes” to whatever the family suggests.
4. She has NO guilt about napping when necessary.
5. Even with her arthritic legs and back, she gleefully takes her walks every day. She intuitively understands that no matter one’s age – daily exercise is important until the day you die.
6. She maintains a proper diet… dutifully eating the prescribed, appropriate meals.
7. She remains social and loyal to her friends and family.
8. She harbors no grudges. She displays unconditional love with every rush to the door to greet us – and with every wet, messy lick.

The kids are grown and gone now. That shift in family life seemed natural. But I can’t imagine life without Shane. Every day with her is a blessing. She has no idea what she means to her family. I am grateful for her unwavering loyalty and for the lessons she is teaching me daily.