What Do You Do When Your Dog Grows Old?: A Poem by Jackie Short

An inspirational poem about those friends who have loved us unconditionally

What Do You Do When Your Dog Grows Old? is a tender, poetic tribute to the dogs who’ve walked beside us through the seasons of life. With soft, heartfelt verse and emotional depth, Jackie Short gently guides readers through the bittersweet journey of loving—and eventually letting go of—an aging dog.

This beautifully written poem captures the quiet changes of time: tired paws, fading sight, and the wisdom in a graying face. Yet in every line, there is love—unwavering, devoted, and full of grace.

Perfect for dog lovers of all ages, this book is both a celebration and a farewell, a comforting companion for anyone facing the inevitable goodbye. A timeless keepsake. A love letter. A healing balm for the heart.

Jackie Short is a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her award-winning German Shepherd dogs and two beloved cats. Her free time is spent training dogs and writing music, poetry, and short stories. What Do You Do When Your Dog Gets Old is her debut publication. Lucy Pickett is an illustrator and small business owner based in London, England. Despite her urban location, Pickett is a nature lover at heart and celebrates wildlife and conservation in her artworks. When she’s not drawing, she can be found drinking cups of tea or walking Paddington, her beloved sausage dog. Visit her at lucypickett.shop.