Spring broke late and none too soon for Old Chuck. Winter, always hard, almost killed him. He’d lie sighing by the fire, trying to warm those old bones that had carried him over field and furrow, always by my side.
When morning slanted through the shutters he came and laid his grizzled muzzle in my lap in that familiar way.
“Sure thing, old boy.”
I got up and opened the front door. He tottered out on stiff legs, eyes milky in the sunlight as he sniffed the fresh new air. He did his business slowly, climbed onto the porch and lay still.
I felt the chill of that winter
Dear Josh,
This one delivered a sucker punch to the gut and tugged the heartstrings. Love it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Aw.
Right in the feels, Josh…
Beautifully done.
I’m going to tell myself he’s just having a lie down for a while. Don’t you dare tell me otherwise.
So beautifully told. A slow, sad build and such atmosphere too – real melancholy here. I’m glad he got to see one last spring
To part with a faithful friend like that… I can really feel the weight of the soil…
Aw. You captured the joy and ultimate sorrow of loving a dog. I can feel how he will miss that old grizzled muzzle on his lap. So beautifully written.
A sorrowful story sensitively told. Excellent.
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This is such a beautifully told story, Josh. You have taken the familiar and taken it to another plane.
Well done.
Best wishes,
Rowena
We have three. Our oldest is now 15 1/2 and still doing all her “business” on her own. She moves a bit slower but still stares us down when it’s time for lunch!
Awww… well, sounds like old Chuck had good years. Great little story, enjoyed the different angle.
My twelve year old has become hard of hearing and I suspect not seeing that well. Spends most of his time sleeping but boy can he still chase after birds. Lovely story.
Lovely story – man and his dog so connected. Great sense of them both together on the porch.
Goosebumps. Just absolutely lovely.