"Have the boys said anything about calling Phil?"
"Ang's mentioned somethin'....but I think we'll wait until the next album. Whenever that will be. Chris is doin' a fine job now as it is."
"I drew you a picture, Daddy!"
"Ya' did? Let's see it."
I stretch myself out on the floor. After a long day of scratching, hacking, and shedding, I need a good nap. I feel lots of movement through the floor. Children running this way and that. I can tell it's them because the older humans never run. They walk. So do I. And right now, I'm laying.
"Is that Charlie?"
"It's us and Charlie!"
"That's very good, love, show your mum."
I sigh. I yawn. I close my eyes. So this is how dogs spend their retirement years...I could get used to this...
**********
I had another accident. I don't understand, I was doing so well! I'm just minding my own business when suddenly it happens! What's wrong with me? Why can't I control it anymore?
"Oh no, Charlie!"
I feel footsteps and people rushing around. I feel one of the children petting me and I back up away from everyone. They must be so disappointed! I'm disappointed in myself.
"What happened?"
"Charlie had another accident."
I feel the man's hands petting me. He's gentle and loving and not angry with me. He doesn't throw me outside where I belong. Instead he kisses me and strokes my fur. I love him. I try licking his face. I'm so sorry, I don't know what's happening to me! I won't do it again, I promise!
"What do we do, Malcolm?"
I lick the man's face. It's a bit scratchy in some places. I can smell the food he ate hours ago. He's not mad at me but I'm almost mad at myself. How could I let that happen? It won't happen again, I promise!
**********
I can't sleep. My bones hurt too much. My muscles ache. I lie on the bed with the man and woman. They're still awake. I whine. I'm in pain. Everything hurts. They pet me.
"I don't want to do it if he's still got years left in him."
"Neither do I but I also don't want him in pain anymore."
I whine. The meat they feed me doesn't do much anymore. I appreciate the offers anyway. I still swallow them whole. But whatever kept my pain away isn't working. It always comes back and it's always worse at night when I try to sleep.
"It's okay, Charlie....it's okay...."
"I hate seeing him like this, sweetheart, and I know you do too."
Their hands are so soft and warm. Despite my aching and pain I'm able to fall asleep.
**********
"Happy fifteenth birthday, Charlie!"
There's slobber everywhere. It can't possibly be mine, it must be the little girl's. Except it's all over my face. There's another tooth missing on the same side as the others. I wonder where they go when they fall out?
"I don't suppose ya' give him toys anymore?"
"Nah, he doesn't play with 'em much anymore....here, Ang, try givin' him this."
I smell the smaller man. The man's brother. He's here with us today. I like him. I wag my tail as best as I can. Even that takes some effort. I smell something in front of my face. It smells like one of my toys. I sniff it but I don't grab it. I'm really not in the mood to play. But I am happy. I'm always happy to be with my pack.
"Don't want it, eh? Worth a try."
"Here's your tea, Angus."
"Thanks, love. Does he still like music, Mal?"
"Course he does, he's a Young for Christ's sake."
I feel footsteps through the ground and hands petting me. I smell a guitar! The smaller man brought a guitar with him! Oh boy! I can't wait to hear him play! I'm all ready! Let me just lick my chops and I'll be set to go!
"Should I play jus' anythin'?"
"Play Hells Bells, he likes that one."
I'm ready! Where's the music? Oh....I can't hear anymore. I forgot for a minute. It seems I'm always forgetting things now. A couple of times I forgot my own name! It's Charlie! Of course it's Charlie, how could I be anything else?
"Can he hear it?"
"I don't know..."
I yawn. I wish I could hear the music. Or at least see the man playing it. I'm not as happy as I was before. I stop wagging my tail. I hang my head. I feel hands petting me. I feel lips on my fur. I can smell my human in front of me.
"I'm sorry, boy....I know this is hard for you."
I manage to lick his face. I love him.
