Knowing

Coming out of my garage I see this guy moving toward me
with a dog on a leash.

The dog can barely walk and looks to be on his last legs.

Stopping in front of my stairs the dog limps up to me.

Gently petting his head, I say to the owner, "Beautiful animal!
Looks pretty old!"

"He's very old!" he responds. "We basically grew up together!"

Hearing this, I begin to feel sad as I continue to pet his head,
reflecting that he’s not going to be around much longer.

Before heading up my steps, I say to him, "You're a lucky man to have grown up with such a wonderful friend!"

"Yes," he responds, giving me a knowing look. . .