I am reminded of a Tom T. Hall song “Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine.
Montanna is getting on up in years…(Law it seems like yesterday she was just a puppy) She has become slow and very careful. Cold weather is hard on her old bones. She has a big soft dog bed and and I make sure none of the other dogs can bother her. She goes to the field and to the barn with me… but not very fast.
But then if there is a chicken close by she will move quicker! and Sheep make her come alive! for sure!
It is a sad thing to see our dogs get old…But oh how she loves to go and be with me. And I make that happen for her. All ways careful of her condition. She needs a hair cut on her beeches. Her hair does not turn loose like it use too. Her nails grow long and fast too! and yes she is over weight.
But she still has foot fights on her back (and she wins)..She lays at the door and waits for me. Though in the pack she hangs back… All ways careful to not be bumped. And still calls the shots ! (If anyone thinks about a challenge to her authority I back her up!) She does not have to be right! She is the oldest!
What a good girl she is. Loving and kind. Ready to alert to a stranger. And loves to herd! ( I suspect God will have her a flock to tend one day) I just hope and pray it is not no time soon!
I can hear her in her sleep now…making old dog noises…and I smile and think of all the wonderful times and years we have shared. All she has given to me. Her devotion, love and total heart. My sweet sweet Montanna…Dream about our long horse back rides and of sheep and squirrels, sticks and long walks of the evening…Dream baby girl…Spring will be here soon!
