The second one. A sad reminder of time passing.

[Stinky The Clown]

Our Border Collie has had a gray muzzle for a few years. Her age is uncertain, being a desperately ill rescue when she was found, carrying a litter and near death. Our best guess is she's closing on ten.

Today, almost as if out of the blue, we noticed that our GSD also has some gray in her muzzle. Mostly it is confined to the underside, just below the front end. There is a patch of white that I swear wasn't there an hour ago. Or was a month ago?

I can't even begin to describe what I feel for these dogs.

I am so grateful they're here.

I don't want to think about the meaning of gray muzzles.

[mopinko]

1. i hate it.

my boxer looks so much older next to that pup. also age unknown, probably 8-9. hips were bad when we got her 6 years ago. woke up one morning with a thousand grey hairs.
the worst thing about dogs.

[Irishonly]

2. It is hard

Both of our are getting gray. Instead of being The Rowdy One, Ranger is getting to be our distinguised gentleman although when he plays you would think him years younger. Sweetie has always been my "baby girl" She will be that even when her muzzle is completely white.

I still remember having a conversation when we helped my beloved Sam to the Rainbow Bridge. He had had a second stroke and it would have been cruel. A friend of mine said it wasn't fair that we had our pets for such a short time. I agreed with her but said humans have a great capacity to love. My life has been blessed with all of the pets that have ever owned me.

I hope your babies will be with you for a long time.

[kas125]

3. It's really sad when we notice that they're getting old and the gray muzzle

is always the first sign. But after having lost way too many of them, I finally realized that they don't live as long as we do for a reason - so we can share our lives with even more of them. Every dog I've ever had has taught me something and each has enriched my life. If dogs lived for seventy years, we'd never have the chance to know so many other ones.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. I never wanted a dog...because I never wanted to lose a dog.

MrG talked me into it and we brought Jessie into our home 10 years ago. He promised me that when the time came, he would take care of it.

God I love this dog. She was MrG's girl, but she has helped us so much with our grief...as I believe we have helped her. She is our beloved. She is also a connection to my husband. Her muzzle has begun to turn white and the once sable eyelashes that set off her beautiful eyes are lightening as well. Her gait is not as sure, and each day my heart heaves a little at the thought of losing my baby.

[NCarolinawoman]

5. That last photo....

what sweet innocence...

[japple]

6. Treasure each day you have with them. What beautiful, beautiful

pictures. The 2nd pic--sweet babies sleeping in a shaft of sunlight, is adorable. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[Texasgal]

8. Jesse

is beautiful!

[Texasgal]

7. Awww.

I completely understand. Our Suzy-Q died last Jan. at the age of 15. She was blind and hard of hearing with some grey patches too. She was our angel and we were so lucky to have had her for so long.

Your babies are so lucky to have you, they know they are loved as they grow older.