Yesterday was Day 21 of the Papa’s Walk Challenge!
In our neighborhood, there is an 82-year-old man who walks his Shih Tzu dog every day. The man has a wiry frame, but is frail looking. His face is wrinkled and much of it is hidden by his bushy gray mustache. He always wears a white long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and khaki shorts held up by broad suspenders. His knee socks slide down around his skinny ankles and bunch at the top of his penny loafers. He tops his look with a jaunty beret.
He’s kind of a crusty old guy, and whenever his dog stops to sniff a plant or hydrant, he barks at his dog, “No,” as he tugs on the leash.
I hadn’t noticed him in the neighborhood for a while, and when I saw him today I asked why. He said, “My dog had a heart attack 3 weeks ago, and he’s been in intensive care at the pet hospital. ”
I expressed my concern and asked, “How old is your dog?”
“Thirteen,” he replied.
I said, “He’s a pretty old dog – that’s 91 in dog years! Just goes to show that you’ve taken good care of him.”
He said, “Oh, yes. I will do anything for him. I treat him like a child. That’s what love’s all about.”