Porcelain Dog

She is dainty and delicate, a veritable
living treasure. Like a family heirloom,
she has much importance to us. Antiques
are held in high regard and so too is she.
Her status is that of an elder, a survivor
who despite her years, still captivates and
amuses us with her arcane wit and sense
of dignity tempered with the airy and sweet
insouciance of the worldly. The energetic
determination of one intent on seeing
the future for as long as absolutely possible.

Her black coat, still softly silky and glossy
is now tinged with grey. Her large and
luminous eyes that once noticed everything
are slightly occluded. Her ability to interpret
whatever we enunciate has been impacted by her
diminished hearing. Her alacrity in joining
us for daily perambulations in the woods
persists, as does her stamina, however.

She remains our companion, accompanying
our forays and wisely holding her counsel.
The homage she deserves is never overlooked,
for it is she who rules the household. Her
graceful conformation and spirit of enquiry
reflect sterling endowments she has unstintingly
shared with us over our many years together.

Like fine bone china of rare provenance
and outstanding beauty, Her Grace is handled
with awe and huge respect. Her aloof and
regal bearing denoting her station in life. In
her advanced years she so much appreciates
a small blanket gently enfolding her slumber,
a light-weight coat indoors in winter, nicely
personalized with the designation "Princess".

During the season of cold, snow and ice, she
wears boots, prancing in them like a Lipizzaner
through snowy trails, while wrapped in warm
doggy coat, complete with its own reviled hood.
Younger, these winter dress-ups embarrassed
her and she felt much put upon. Now, she helpfully
raises paws, tucks in her head, to assist in the
enveloping, protective garb. We are not loathe
to pay obeisance to royalty where it is due.