Paddy

He's almost 14 now.
He's watched our children grow into adults.
He's bickered and played with Brisa, and tolerated the cats with a disdainful eye.
His chestnut patches are almost entirely grey now.
He has cataracts in both eyes; one the result of a tumour that we elected to leave be 5 years ago.
He used to be a very anxious, apologetic wee dog.
He's now living a life of happy dementia where nothing seems to frighten him.
His tail wags almost constantly and he uses his nose as his main sensory connection to the world as his hearing follows his sight.
And, yes, everyone panders to his every whim.
My favourite patients are my "Silver Whiskers" pets.
They deserve to be cherished for the years of love and loyalty they give us - even the cats in their own haughty way!