The Advancing Years

I suppose it’s an inevitable component of aging - the reflection, reminiscence, and fretful wonder regarding the future. As you might have guessed, I am facing another birthday and hence, I find myself prone to contemplating my time spent on this corporeal plane.

My past stretches endlessly before my astonished eyes. The calendar pages filled and torn away almost innumerable. My days in the whelping box, newly minted and full of awe. The sound of my baby name from the lips of my first parents. “Pumpkin!” they called, time and again. I accepted this as normal then, but am baffled that I permitted such an unpoetic salutation to be assigned to me!

Still, the memories flood my conscience like a cinematic tribute. Meeting my real parents and coming home with them. Learning to use the yard, and not the house, for the various bio-mechanical requirements. Hearing for the first time my proper full name - Torngat’s Fortune Bay Maisie! A name destined for greatness if ever there was!

And now, a tear, if you’ll permit me, while I recall endless forays about the living room and den with my sister, Lexi. The laughter we’d share as I would wheel-barrow her into the wall unit or pounce on her head while she was using the yard. I’m sure that the impact she had on me was only shadowed by the joy I brought her. She has passed on now, but lives forever in my fond memories.

As I matured, I was introduced to the rigorous training required of those reaching adulthood. Hours and hours of Sit! Stay! Heel! Down! Off! (I still hate that one), and Come! It wasn’t immediately apparent why this was required, but now that I have grown I am thankful for the discipline and the lessons that I have learned.

Then there were the glorious hours spent walking in the park and fetching my flyball in the field. Our lives consist primarily of routine but we naturally highlight the things we’ve enjoyed most. And for me, the walks, runs, and fetches are hallmark! I’m also proud of the business that I inspired and the fine, quality products that we produce... but there’s nothing finer than a brisk walk in the crisp Autumn air.

Ah, the days that have slipped by into oblivion, leaving only happiness and warmth as their footprint. The meals that I have enjoyed, the trips abroad that helped form me (Vegas, Baby!), and the tummy rubs that have coaxed me to sleep...

I am indeed fortunate. I have led an exciting life that still leaves me breathless. And now, less than a month away from my second birthday, I can’t but wonder what is next. When I was a puppy, TWO seemed like forever but now, here it is. All I know is that I shall face it with the same sense of optimism and eagerness that I have brought to my entire life so far!