Special Cargo
It had to be one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. An elderly couple were out for their daily walk. Both used walkers that rolled easily on wheels. They would stop often to rest pointing out birds in the trees, marvelling at the young people gliding by on skate boards. Large dogs played like children in a dog park. They passed an ancient wishing well. The gentleman tossed a coin into it, saying something to his wife that had her laughing like a young girl.
Their pace was slow, but that was just fine with them. They had a very special cargo. In between the two walkers they had rigged a piece of soft material that had four holes in it. Into the four holes went the legs of their very senior Dachshund. The dog was old with back problems. With the sling under her belly she was able to join her owners on a nice unhurried walk. She sniffed everything her nose came in contact with. Folks stopped to chat, the dog was given her fair share of attention.
They came to a set of stairs. Putting the brakes on their walkers, they unhooked the sling, each took one side with their pet in it. Taking one step at time they finally got to the top. It was a long haul, they were both red faced and panting. Some young people had been watching, they immediately came forward, carried up the two walkers, helped get the doggy sling hooked up then away they went. The Dachshund broke into barking, the seniors laughed exchanged another kiss then away all three went.
I thought it was a perfect example of a family helping each other. In this fast paced world we live in, how wonderful to see something so simple as a happily married couple. Rather than leave their pet at home, they had worked out a way to exercise their dog while all three enjoyed the outdoors. I think we don't look at our seniors often enough. I was enchanted watching the love flow between all three.
