Lessons In Compassion From An Old Dog

The diversity of dogs you meet in this line of work surpasses the differences I’ve encountered among humans. It teaches you a lot about patience and compassion. Whether a dog’s quirks are the result of an owner’s neurosis or simply a personality trait of the canine, you can’t say, “Now, Miss Smith, the dog really does not need another vet visit, this is normal behavior.” Nor can you say, “Now, listen, dogfriend, your aggression toward the mail carrier is really unbecoming.” All you can do is sigh and acquiesce, or cross the street to avoid the mail truck and its driver. Nor can you complain about poop. Dog walking is part of the eightfold path to Nirvana.

One very old dog I walked was named Fritz. He was some sort of speckled Labrador mix. He was about 18 — which, in dog terms, is ancient. He was also blind, deaf, and feeble. No longer the dog of his youth, he was relegated to the downstairs part of the house with a baby gate.

But he didn’t seem to know his age.

Do please read the whole story, and you may be inspired to help walk and care for animals at your local shelter. Your love and compassion can make a huge difference to the animals’ life, especially those who are aged.