Everyday Canvas

An Old Dog

Prompt: " An old dog never learns new tricks."
It's a saying I've heard since I was a kid. Is it a truthful thing to say? Can us old dogs really not learn new tricks? or do we just not want to?

Write me a story, poem or rant about it, please!

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In a place nestled among the trees
lived Joe, a dog old and wise and
with clouded eyes, spinning dreams.

Though years had etched memories and
lines, his spirit danced with youthful
flair in the rustling of the autumn air.

However, "As the clock ticks, an old dog
won't learn tricks," they said, but Joe
dreamt high with a twinkle in his eye.

Each day he rose with a hopeful heart
to play his part, to defy the norm,
to frolic and prance and find his form

with new energy, though his limbs creaked,
he stumbled, faltered but never despaired
with patience and grace, he dared and dared.

Resolve and grit became his guide, and
he mastered tricks "stay, stand, jump, fetch,
rollover, circle, and heel," with a feel.

As days went by, to the knowing eyes, Joe with
his doggy grin, showed the hope that cheers
are there to earn, since oldies can still learn.

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Note: Joe was my NewFoundland puppy who lived to age sixteen, almost seventeen, although the vet had said he could only live to eleven. He passed away in 1992,