Too Short a Time

Recently, I have been forced to acknowledge that I own two very old animals.

I don't like it.

Rafiki's death made me aware again of just how old he was, and how old Malaika is. Birds don't age visibly, so there are no outer markings to give warning.

On the other hand, there are plenty of signs a dog can give. Cinder's muzzle is now almost completely white. She's got noticeable cataracts. She's going deaf. She still dances and jumps around at walk time, but... Last week, she took a four mile round trip walk with my father and sister. Used to be that was a lark for her, and even last month it was no big deal. This time she was demanding rest stops on the way back.

I don't like it.

I don't like it at all.