Sad Ending

Today I met an interesting man. A sad man. He and his beautiful English Golden Retriever sat at the table next to mine. He is in his 70's and lives in the white van he pulled up in. I felt sorry for him. His blue eyes looked sad and beaten. He is retired and disabled (a cancer survivor) he explained that most senior housing programs in the Bay Area don't accept dogs of the Retriever's size. He said he made a commitment to his dog nine years ago to take care of him and he was going to do that even if they have to live in a van for the rest of their lives. He does odd jobs here and there and lives on his social security. What a sad end to a long life.