[Soft*Silver]

today during our walk, my old girl fell. Her back legs gave out on her. She sat there, suprised, confused...then anxiety hit. I knelt down beside her. Smiled into those cloudy eyes that search for me every time her head raises up. I calmly told her it was alright, she just needed a rest. My hands never stopped soothing her. She was then satisfied, always reassured by my voice, my touch. When we tried again, she was able to lift. And up she came, pensive at first. I am glad she cannot clearly see my face. I have done this before. We are so close to the end. My last girl like her made it to Thanksgiving. I hold out with her, not wanting to let her go until she is ready. I actually have been waiting for this...for her frail body to catch up to her frail mind. When she signals me that Now she is ready, we will go together and say good bye. But for this day, she indicated she wanted a bit more walk, slower. So we slowed it way down. I will never forget this fall day, the rustling of the leaves across the road. The grey of the clouds and the spattering of halloween on yards as I and my black and white took one of the few walks we have left.

Tomorrow she will hand out candy with me. She loves loves loves children and I am so grateful she has this holiday left for her. When she is snoring in our house, next to me, she will remember how they smelled, their laughter, how their tiny hands touched her.

no better life could we have had, than the one we shared together...