We watch as,
with age,
dog muzzles turn white,

eyes cloud with cataracts
(but do not lose their patient glow).

fatty lumps appear under their skin
(as a matter of course, not disease).

Because dogs do not get botox
and are not bitter that

their hips are arthritic,
their once shiny hair
has turned dull and dry,
their running days over,

Because their acceptance
Put into words
                “Now this…now that…”
softens time,
calms the heart,
I, wrinkled and graying, 
am inspired.