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<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial size=2>All the comments
recently about the age of their dogs has led me to thinking more about my loving
old guy, Beethoven. He's probably 14 or 15 now, and almost totally deaf. He
likes long walks less now, and is slower most of the time now too, but is
in really good health otherwise. The vet says he still has a lot of life left in
him. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial size=2>This fella has been
with me through some of the worst times of my life, never failing to make me
smile. And I was thinking recently that it's been years since we took a trip to
the coast together. He loved running up and down the beach, digging in the sand,
and making a mess of the car. So I'm thinking that early this summer I'll load
him into the car and get him back out there for a visit. I don't know if he has
retained fond memories of those younger days, but I sure have. And if he does
remember, maybe getting back there will let him know just how special he is to
me.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial size=2>Typically I take
Maggie on my trips. She has some issues with separation anxiety, and the people
who stay with my dogs when I'm gone find her to be a little troublesome. But
this time, she stays home, and my grand old "best friend" gets to go
instead.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=757343218-28042009><FONT face=Arial size=2>Tim, with Beethoven,
Maggie and Dreamer</FONT></SPAN></DIV></BODY></HTML>