I’m an old dog. My eyes no longer see the things they once did, my ears don’t hear, and these old legs don’t work they way they should.  My mind wanders and sometimes I forget what I’m supposed to do.

Last night, I stared into my persons’eyes and she held my gaze.

I was telling her that I know she loves me, and that I know our time together is passing much too quickly for her.  I know we’ll have to say goodbye sooner than she wants to.

Though her eyes were clouded with tears her message to me was clear.

“Don’t go.”

I put my head in her lap, and she scratched my ears.

She whispered “I know.  I know you can’t stay forever. Loving you has been a gift, and I promise I’ll return the gift by letting you go when it is your time.”

Her tears fell on my nose, and I sighed my old dog sigh.

I’ll stay as long as I can.

For her.