The Age of Vulnerability

'Dogs enrich our lives immeasurably’, Monty Don.

I’m not enjoying the challenges of 2025, it’s proving to be a year when the ground beneath my feet is shifting. However, the light breaks through the widening gaps in the ground and I’m taking time to dwell in that light, it reminds me that each day brings forth its own gift but I need to be attentive to that if I am to receive it. The following letter was written in response to this Week 4 spark in the Summer of Substack Essay Festival with

Beth Kempton

and the SoulCircle community.

My dearest Pippin

We are entering our 14^th year of sharing life together and here I am trying to put into words the gratitude I have for the abundant love you have shared over the years. Thank you for choosing me that day when you padded across the kitchen wide-eyed and curious making a bee-line for me. My heart melted and I knew you were the pup for me and clearly the feeling was reciprocated. You entered my life as others were moving away and though small, you oozed into that chasm.

Faithful Pip, you’ve been a good pal over the years and we’ve had some larks. Although our long walks have shortened, our time together as companion and confidant are special. You sense when comfort is needed, inching your way carefully to get alongside, leaning in so the warmth and weight of your presence is felt, bringing reassurance as if to say, “here I am, you are not alone, I see you”. Perhaps this is what you now need to know when you call out early in the morning and when you sidle up by my feet when I sit down.

I know how much you love your social time with the pack and, returning from your walk, I love the way you bounce back into the house afterwards so full of energy and hungry for your brekkie, it always makes me smile. Then to have time with my dad, two ole boys together putting the world to rights as you sit and dose throughout the day, what a pair you are! It has to be your favourite kind of day.

Do you notice in the way I do, that when we are walking along together people walking towards us smile at you? I’ve noticed how you charm others by your little trot and wagging tail. You are still so handsome and spritely, but it goes beyond that. People feel happy around you. They stop and chat. There is something about your presence that permits people, often complete strangers, to share their story. This is one of the things that surprised me when I first had you. Not only have our walks been a good way to see the neighbourhood and discover the green spaces, but you are a conversation starter. Through you I have heard about other beloved dogs. People have shared tales of their experiences including the sad loss of loved ones and the comfort their dogs have brought them. I wonder if in the pack you discuss your humans? Do you laugh at our quirky ways? Maybe you have a bit of a rant comparing the quality of walks or treats.

In recent years, you’ve had a few scary moments, but you have shown resilience and, with the care of vet, you continue to age well. We shall work together to keep you most comfortable as the senior dog you are. You continue to enjoy our walks and are a good weight which is helpful but I know you struggle with your hip and some days your legs are stiffer and ache as you try to get into your stride. It’s our turn to look after you now, you’ve tried so hard to be our pack leader which I know has caused you much anxiety. It’s time for us to show you the way and to comfort you. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you’re not on your own, I share your fear of what the future holds but I’ll walk beside you wherever this path takes us. I see you and I am here for you, you are not alone.

I have every confidence in you Pip, that you will navigate through this next phase in your own way as you are one of a kind. Thank you for being my beloved pup.

My furry four-legged friend
Always close and alert,
Feet grounded, tail aloof, still.
Ears soft, eyes searching.
A sound, your head cocks
Eyes question, ears drop
Tail lowered, feet twitch
Intent listening, watchful and ready.
Sound fades, body relaxes,
Ears soften, head lolls.
Tail pops back up, feet a shuffle.
All is well, all are safe.