If only dogs never got old

When he was young
London, ON
January 2009

Since we're looking way, way back this week (click here to share your own Thematic oldie) I thought I'd gang up on our dog, Frasier, for a bit. Because as I was sifting through old pictures, he kept showing up at the top of the pile. I guess we really do like him.

Unlike humans, though, he doesn't seem to have changed much in the 5-ish years since this was taken. Visually, at least, he still has the goofy face, with the same silvery-white fur, and the same pathetic look that he gives us when he knows he's done something wrong.

In the overall scheme of things, "wrong" is usually pretty benign, typically involving an adventure in a garbage can, or someone's backpack, or the pantry. His heart is always in the right place, and he's as lovable now as he was then.

Beyond the visuals, though, this picture still takes me back in time. To a time before he was sick - he was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes a little over two years after this was taken. To a time when I looked at him and never had to wonder about his future. To a time when we seemed to have fewer worries, about him, about everything, than we have today. To a time when we still had all our parents with us. If only I could reach through this picture and grab hold of the life we had then.

Alas, time moves in one direction, and at one constant speed, and there's no going back. I keep reminding myself of this often stark truth, but I never quite accept it, either.

Your turn: What's he thinking here?