Sophie is 13 years old today. We've been together since she was two months old. The main difference between having a child and taking a puppy into one's home is that you don't expect to see your child die. To Sophie, I've barely aged. I was 35 years old when she came to live with me and I'm 48 now. I don't think I look or act any different now than I did 13 years ago. But Sophie has gone through every stage of doghood during our time together. She's been a rambunctious puppy, a vigorous adolescent, a mature dog, and now a slow-moving old girl. She sleeps a lot. She stopped going on walks with Shelbie and me several months ago, probably because it was too painful. But she's still mentally alert; she has a good appetite; and every now and then she and Shelbie play like puppies. Here is Sophie in late August, shortly after I shaved her (click to enlarge):
I cherish every day we have together.
Dogs are wonderful creatures. "to his dog, everyman is napoleon".