Old Dogs and Old Cars

There's nothing like living with old dogs and old cars to teach you about living in the moment. When you wake up and they're breathing, you're happy. When you put the key in and the engine starts, you're happy. When they won't stop barking at the neighbors, you're happy. When the power windows still work (though slower than they used to), you're happy. Yes, there are a few extra vet and tow truck visits, but in the whole scheme of things... They know you, they fit you, they understand you, they protect you, they make you vulnerable - all good things. Shiny new cars and younger dogs are wonderful, too; they carry the illusions of safety, health, and long life. But we never know how many miles or years or minutes or feet are left in them - or us. With old dogs and old cars, the minutes and feet become more important. We still don't know how many are left, but now we know that we don't know.