I shall wear Turquoise and soft grey sweatshirts ... and a bandana over my completely silver hair ... and I shall spend my Social Security Checks on My Dogs ... and sit happily on my porch in a well worn chair ... and listen to my dogs' breathing.

I will go out in the middle of a warm Summer’s night and take one of my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow ... and when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I present them to my dogs ... and talk of them and about them ... The Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today ... I will work hard feeding and grooming them, occasionally showing them – reveling in their successes or their losses, and whispering their names in a soft loving way ... and I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel ...

I will be an embarrassment to all ... especially to those of my relatives ... who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends ... Friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall ... and sometimes jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you ... as if you are someone very special.

With warm eyes full of love and hope that you will stay and hug their big strong necks ... and kiss their dear sweet heads ... and whisper to them of your love and the beautiful pleasure of their very special company ...

I look in the Mirror ... and I am old ... and this is the kind of woman I am ... and have always been ... And, I am grateful for this gift.