OK... what is it...

[Clydetz]

...with these damn, muther fukin' back steps! I come out here and sit on 'em enjoying my cup of coffee or glass of wine just watching the rabbits cavorting, listening to the birds singing and watching Casper pee on every stray leaf that happens to be in his territory and this idea spills out of my brain...

Don’t worry…
There I sat on the back steps,
one hand holding a glass of wine
the other hand stroking the base of my dog’s ears.
It was the evening of Memorial Day and just two days until my 65^th birthday.
My nostrils were filled with the smell of dog
and I actually enjoyed it.
I took a sip of wine and momentarily stopped scratching my dog’s head.
He nuzzled my free hand with his nose until I continued with that enjoyable stroking.
I took another sip of wine without stopping my scratching of the base of his ears this time.
I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes as I thought of what was inevitable.
Not so much of his death but of my own.
If I should pass before him,
what would become of this gentle dog who had made my life worth living.
He seemed to know what I was thinking and gave me a look that seemed to say… ‘Don’t worry, it will all work out.’
Then he nuzzled my hand again and I continued the scratching of his head while sipping my wine.

He is so damn smart!
Clydetz 5/28/2012

[TopHat]

Gary, it isn't the steps. Sometimes---when a man is left alone to think---the unwanted thoughts manage to sneak inside.

My moment came whan I returned from a hop on 18 JAN 1991 and learned a good friend of mine was shot down over Iraq. That was the exact second in time I understood that if I really wanted a family, I would need to find a new job.

[begreen61]

Gary,
I got to say we love are dogs,I have thought the same thing more than once,but i have friends that would take care of Buckshot and Fawn,my issue is i be lost with out my my dogs,In fact im in Texas right now and my dogs are at the Vets kennel and i call them daily ,I cant explan why but i would give up everything for my dogs (except my son)
I do know one thing life is really short,and We can dwell on some things that can eat at us,I just try to injoy the moments because when i go the only thing im going to take is my memories and i want them to be good ones,
I never met you but converceing with you on JD I consider you a good friend,keep the chin up and dont worry about the future UNLESS all your match.com dates meet each other ,,,,THEN RUN

[jimmyjo]

WOW, I wasn't expecting that one.
Damn, but I know how you feel. You know that your having a kick ass year, pick in BLADE, action on Match.com. You've got lots of time. Enjoy them with no worries my friend.

[TopHat]

I think that everyone who is responsible for the care of someone, whether that someone is a child, a spouse or a best friend, has experienced similar thoughts and feelings.

Dwelling on the "what if" is not healthy unless it provides us with the insight and motivation to take some action that will allow us to postpone the inevitable for as long as possible or enrich our remaining time here on earth. Or both.

[SugarSkull]

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

[Clydetz]

OK... I have to make a correction! "just watching the rabbits cavorting, listening to the Byrds singing..."

[knifecarver]

Nothing to worry about, Gary. You are an inspiration to more people than just me, as I can see on this forum alone. I would take Casper in a heartbeat...it's the least I could do.

Cathy

[Clydetz]

A mere 7 months earlier I was in a different frame of mind. These back steps have given me much inspiration...

Sittin’ on the back steps…

Sittin’ on the back steps
takin’ in the view.
Takin’ slow sips of coffee
just sittin’ here with you.
I lift my cup up to my mouth,
you nuzzle my hand with your nose.
Liftin’ your head up lookin’ to be scratched
I chuckle a bit as I look at that amazing pose.
But you always get what you want.
So I reach over and scratch your offered neck.
Never have I seen someone so content…
of that I don’t really need to check.
You are one crazy, little dog
to be content to sit here with me.
Drinkin’ my coffee with you by my side…
I’m happy to have you as a devotee!

Clydetz 10/9/2011

[jdmtampa]

I lost my buddy and the most incredible labrador that ever lived a few weeks ago - Harley - following is what my daughter sent to me the next morning......

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have." He is our Harley.


jdmtampa

[Clydetz]

Fantastic! As only a true lover of their 4-footed friend can realize. Wonderful!