Rocky’s daughter, Holly, is an assistant to a Veterinarian. She has the natural love and sensitivity towards animals that her dad does. She has rescued many dogs and cats that have been “thrown away” and keeps herself broke and busy taking care of the cast-offs. I have a great respect for her and anyone who is moved to help the poor little orphans who cannot help themselves. She sent us this piece and I’d like to share it with you.
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GROW OLD WITH DOGS

When I am old…. I will wear soft gray sweatshirts….and a bandana over my silver hair…and I will spend my Social Security checks on wine and dogs. I will sit in my house in a well-worn chair and listen to my dog’s breathing. I will sneak out in a warm summer’s night and take my dogs for a run if my old bones will allow. When people come to call I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs….and talk of them and about them….the ones so beloved in the past and those so loved today…I will still work hard cleaning after them, mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft loving way. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat like a jewel and I will be an embarrassment to all…especially my family…who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your best friends….These friends who always wait at any hour for your footfall…and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep to great you as if you are a God. With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will always stay, I’ll kiss their sweet heads…and whisper in their very special company…I look in the mirror…and see I am getting old…this is the kind of person I am…and have always been. Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me. Please accept me for who I am. My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives…they love my presence in their lives….When I am old this will be important to me…you will understand when you are old…if you have dogs to love, too.

Author Unknown

I love dogs and cats and like the old lady who was asked which one of her children she loved the most……she replied, “Why, the one who needs me most, of course.” That pretty well says it for me……I rescue both because they need it and I need their love……..

Until tomorrow, I am,
Essentially Esther