She is over 105 in dog years. She started out life being called Freckles - her real name was "Lady Francesca". When her first owner decided no longer to keep her she returned her to her mother who in turn sold her to us.
Hubby had always wanted a bassett hound called Frank. When she came here to live at ten months old we renamed her Frankie.
She is the other woman in my husband's life but I am not jealous. It doesn't even bother me that she is the first to greet him when he arrives home from work. They have a special bond and for that I am grateful.
When she was young and agile she would jump up into the recliner with him and rest both paws around his kneck. At night she would sleep between the two of us nestled in close. Now she sleeps quietly at the foot of the bed on a favorite comforter.
I am aware that the sands in the hour glass of her life are slipping by quickly. She is having difficulty walking and we have recently started carrying her up and down the stairs and outdoors. Her sight is mostly gone and also her hearing. Her teeth are soft and we feed her canned dog food, slices of bread and treats of cheese. Once she weighed almost 60 pounds but now she is forty at tops.
Even though winter has come to this dear sweet one she still wags her tail and pushes close to us for warmth. I am thankful for all the years we have had her. She has made us smile when we were sad or mad or not too glad.
We are spending a great deal more time loving her. Every day we have her is a blessing.
She has taught us patience is a trait we all need. Food is more tasty when it comes from the refrigerator. Traveling to the neighbors to visit is a must. There is nothing better than a pillow to sleep on after a long day away. Taking time to sniff the daisies is important they won't bloom forever.
Good night and God Bless!