
I’m sitting here this morning looking at Heff, the old, blind, diabetic dog who has absolutely no idea he’s old, blind, or diabetic. It’s been seven months now since his world went completely dark, and in that time, he’s somehow learned every inch of this house. He knows where the food is, where his bed is, and exactly how to find me when he needs to pee or demand attention. As long as I don’t move the furniture, which I’ve now learned the hard way, he’s grand.
The thing about Heff is, he trusts me completely. He follows my voice, he senses my mood, and he leans into me like I’m the only steady thing left in his universe. And maybe I am. He’s totally dependent on me to guide him through whatever time he has left. But knowing Heff, he’ll hang around as long as there’s kibble and a warm spot in the sun. Food has always been his religion.
And it got me thinking, why can’t people be like that? Why are we so messed up?
Why has humanity turned into this strange, disconnected, often cruel machine where most people can’t even make eye contact, never mind trust another soul with their darkness?
We were supposed to be connected. Tribal. Protective. Honest. But somewhere along the line, we traded community for convenience, truth for politeness, and real connection for screen time. People have learned to hide behind busyness and small talk because it’s safer than being seen. Safer than admitting you’re scared or lost or lonely. Safer than trusting someone the way Heff trusts me.
The irony is, a blind, diabetic mutt has more emotional intelligence than half the population.
Maybe we should all be more like old dogs. Love the people who feed you. Trust the ones who keep you safe. Sleep in the sun when you can. Growl at those who deserve it. And when the furniture moves on you, just take your time, sniff your way around, and keep going.
Because in the end, it’s not about how perfect your world is, it’s about who’s in it with you when the lights go out.
And if humanity’s going to save itself, it’ll probably be because of people who love old, blind dogs.

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