my silver puppy has white hairs on his chin. i cannot deny it any longer.
on the one hand, this makes me sad. it reminds me that someday he will leave me and my heart will break.
on the other hand, this makes me happy. it reminds me of many years of fun. (wow! i've had a puppy for years! how time does fly.)
besides, it makes him look rather distinguished, like an elderly statesman. i have dubbed him sir atlas, to which he replied, "it's about time. no more of this sweetie nonsense. now, fetch me my dinner."
p.s. in case you are interested, here's a little reminder that there is a pay it forward giveaway going on. i'll draw the names on sunday.
Sir Atlas ... has a nice ring to it.
I love his reflection in the sand. Atlas has had a huge impact on your life and all of it has been good and will continue to be good. He is one lucky dog to have you as a companion.
Posted by: Liss | 02/17/2010 at 04:18 AM
I can't believe you've had him that long either! Although it does seem like you've had him forever. :)
Posted by: Amy | 02/17/2010 at 04:44 AM
yes he is handsome there...wind blown on the beach~
Posted by: elk | 02/17/2010 at 05:31 AM
oh! is it wednesday? well, hello sir! (deep bow)
Posted by: jen t | 02/17/2010 at 10:16 AM
A distinguished and wise Sir Atlas. Makes my heart smile. :) The last two dogs we adopted for my parents from shelters were already senior dogs. I love the gentleness and patience they have.
Posted by: Julie M. | 02/17/2010 at 10:27 AM
I had a grey cat, and as she grew older she seemed to turn more grey, if that was even possible. I wasn't sure if I was imagining it, or what, but it really looked like it. She had always been a distinguished lady, and then I could see she was becoming a distinguished old lady. :)
Posted by: Josiane | 02/17/2010 at 12:21 PM
sounds like we could take another road trip and i would have a whole different view to look at! ;)
Posted by: Helen | 02/17/2010 at 12:48 PM
Lovely, dignified shot of Sir Atlas! :)
Posted by: Meredith | 02/17/2010 at 01:03 PM
well, this title is well deserved! ; )
xo
Posted by: christina | 02/17/2010 at 03:21 PM
The title totally suits him. I was watching the Kennel Club dog show last night (waiting for the cockers!)and was thinking of you when the weimaraner came out. Sir Atlas is a lucky little gentleman!!
Posted by: Patty Waite | 02/17/2010 at 04:13 PM
Sir Atlas. Agreeing with the others, he has earned this title. You are truly blessed to have each other!
Posted by: Leanne | 02/17/2010 at 07:39 PM
@all:
sir atlas says thank you for your kind words.
also, he says that he is happy to accept tribute. for instance, leftovers. he is partial to meat and gravy - and his maidservant, kind as she is, rarely provides such fare.
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 02/17/2010 at 08:03 PM
@patty: i hope the cockers did well!!!
@julie m: they are so very gentle and patient. i love it. (though atlas doesn't exactly behave like a senior dog yet. ;)
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 02/17/2010 at 08:06 PM
oh, i understand those bittersweet feelings. such a lovely picture!
Posted by: leah | 02/18/2010 at 02:20 PM
@leah: bittersweet for sure. thanks :)
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 02/18/2010 at 09:50 PM
This is such a regal portrait of Sir Atlas (that is good!)...*sigh*... I feel the same about out kitty Charlie... He's no longer a kitty though, but almost 11 years old and is getting thick old-man-cat whiskers...The whole pet love is bittersweet, isn't it... Happy Weekend to you and the Sir, Elizabeth :o) ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | 02/19/2010 at 04:17 AM
you are so sweet. i love the way you look at it ~ having so much years of fun with him.
Posted by: Jennifer | 02/21/2010 at 10:47 AM
Sir Atlas is looking very regal. No white whiskers on my pups yet, but that time will come quickly.
Posted by: Toni | 02/21/2010 at 11:03 PM
Elizabeth, you really should enter PW's dog photo contest. I right away thought of you. You'd have to narrow all of your great pics down to one, though. That'd be tough.
Posted by: Brita | 02/25/2010 at 08:14 PM