I Will Carry You

Honeybun, my sweet old dog who has all kinds of health issues now, was due for her rabies shot. We visit the vet a lot, with all her problems. This would be a relatively pleasant and quick visit compared to the others of late. I had to lift her into the car, since she can no longer jump in herself. She was very happy to sit in the front seat and watch the world go by. She doesn't get out much. I can only bring her on very short walks because her hips give out if we go very far.

The vet technicians all know her, since she is there so often. They all love her because she is so uncomplaining and good-natured despite all the indignities old age hoists upon her. As we were driving home, we went right past the Greenway. I used to walk her for miles on the Greenway. She used to love it. We never go there anymore, since she can only walk at most a half mile, and even that is pushing it. At the last moment, I swerved and pulled into the parking lot. She sniffed the air and looked around, ears perked.

"Come on, old girl. We can't go far, but we can go for a little ways."

We walked slowly, much more slowly than the exciting jaunts we used to take here in our younger days. She spent many minutes at each tantalizing smell. I didn't hurry her. Take as long as you like. We meandered slowly down the trail. We didn't get very far before I knew we best turn around. If she collapsed, I'd have a hard time carrying her in the hot day. She's not the only one getting older.

When we returned to the car, I offered her some water. Then I lifted her gently and set her down on the front seat. I settled in my seat and blasted the AC. She looked at me, content. I pet her head, and said, "You had fun, didn't you?" She didn't answer, but she didn't need to.
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Isaiah 46:4 

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.