Do Old Dogs Dream?

Grey Muzzle has partnered with author Harold Creel to help keep senior dogs in their homes and out of shelters. Grey Muzzle has created a special fund, Chester's Home Fund, to raise funds specifically for grants to community programs that help economically-challenged owners keep their old dogs. Our July 2009 press release has further details. All proceeds from the sale of Mr. Creel's book, Do Old Dogs Dream?, through our website go to Chester's Home Fund. You can also donate directly to the fund below.

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An interview with Harold Creel

Although Harold Creel is a 51-year-old lawyer working in Washington, D.C., he has been writing poetry (secretly!) since he was 14, and now he's published a heartfelt book about the love, strength and determination of older dogs as they age with us and our families. He is generously donating the proceeds from the sale of his book to support senior shelter dogs through organizations such as The Grey Muzzle Organization.  Grey Muzzle will target their donations to community programs that help owners keep their cherished senior pets despite the current economic climate, through their new fund, Chester's Home Fund.
 
Grey Muzzle had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Creel about his experiences writing this book and with the senior dogs in his life.

GM: How did you get the inspiration for this book?
 
HC: I had a great old guy, Chester, who inspired me.  He was a yellow lab and he lived to be 14.  Chester was quite the character.  As we liked to say, “He had a lot of dog in him.”  In his later years, he would give a gravelly bark whenever food was present.  I would give a sharp “no!”  Old Chester would look up at me, puff his cheeks out, stomp his feet and walk away, indignantly.  We both knew the drill.  He would bark (read, “Give me something. I’m old.”). I would say “no” (read, “I know you’re old but I’m on to you!”).
 
As the nurse, chef, and chauffer of a great old dog, I developed a special bond with him as we both aged.  And it became apparent to me that his unconditional love was something that was just further enriched with age.  It was this common thread that I saw in all well-loved old dogs and their nurse, chef, and chauffer. 
 
GM: What did you learn from this book?
 
HC: Great question…In fact, it’s the first time I’ve been asked that.  That was the real surprise for me – the fact that I actually learned FROM writing the book.  I thought I was writing about what I already knew, but as I went through the process I realized that the process itself was a learning experience.  What began as my musing about old Chester became a cathartic ode, not only to him but also to all old dogs who are loved.  As I met (actually interviewed) other old dogs and their owners it became clear to me that these old dogs give us insight into what it means to love, care, be joyful and experience loss.  While writing, I experienced my own father’s failing health – and what I knew would, ultimately, be his death.  He and I were very close – so the emotions were the same as the loss of Chester – intense grief but also memories of hilarious times together (they were similar characters). 
 
These old codgers taught me lessons as I am aging too:  to relish the moment; sniff the clean air, enjoy a good swim and cherish the people I love and those who love me.  I learned about love, loss and remembrance.  Suffice it to say, I learned about the sweetness of life and love.

GM: What would you tell others about senior dogs?
 
HC: Senior dogs are very special.  Just as with humans, they have life experiences that give them great wisdom.  Generally, they don’t suffer fools.  They know intuitively when they are loved.  And they have a tremendous appreciation for the love and care you provide them.  They are funny, curmudgeonly, and very sweet.  I have received so much more from them than the energy I expended in caring for a senior dog and their needs.
 
GM: Why did you choose Grey Muzzle to benefit from the sales of this book?
 
HC: It’s pretty remarkable, really. I ran across the name Grey Muzzle a couple of years ago, made a note of it and filed it away.  Just a few weeks ago, I was cleaning out my file and ran across the name again. Not five minutes later, I got a call from Erika, with Grey Muzzle, asking if I was the guy who had written about old dogs. The timing was beyond bizarre.  Actually, I would say it was karmic.  Grey Muzzle is a perfect fit for me and the book. They are devoted to the rescue and care of old dogs and that is precisely where I want the profits from my book to go.  Because Grey Muzzle is nationwide, the message and the money from the book can reach all across the country.  Also, the fact that Grey Muzzle gives grants to projects on the local level is appealing to me.  I believe that is where we can make the biggest difference – one old dog at a time. I am impressed with their mission, their leadership and their organization.  Having a big heart isn’t all it takes to successfully run a philanthropic organization.  Good business skills are really important too and I believe Grey Muzzle has those as well.
 
GM: Do you have dogs now?  If so, can tell us about them?

HC: You bet.  I have Hank, who is an eleven year old yellow lab.  Hank has been an old man since he was born.  He is a sweet old fellow that likes to do his own thing.  And then there is Rufus, a three year old yellow lab.  Rufus, shall we say, is a tad bit spoiled and thinks he rules the world.  Come to think of it, he actually does rule the world – at least ours.  We live on a farm so the boys have full days rounding up the turkeys and chickens, warding off strange sounds or, just as likely, sleeping in the sun on the porch.

 
Harold Creel (left) and partner Tim, with Hank, Rufus, and "the babies"

GM: Would you advise someone to adopt an old dog instead of a puppy?
 
HC: Absolutely.  Granted, a senior dog is not for everyone.  They don’t need to be subjected to young children who don’t respect them. On the other hand, what better way to teach a child respect for elders and how to be tender with dogs – or people?  The gift in giving an elder dog a loving home is two-sided.  Both the giver and the recipient are winners. And I can tell you, the old fellows really do appreciate a loving home more than you can imagine.
 
GM: Why are you giving all of your profits away?
 
HC: I believe all dogs deserve comfort and love in their golden years.  But not all old dogs are lucky enough to have had the love and comfortable lives as the nine dogs in the book.  So, I hope that by giving all of my profits to the rescue and care of old dogs I can help, at least in a small way, attain that goal.  I am honored that the national associations of the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA have endorsed the book.  They, obviously, endorse the same goal that I and Grey Muzzle do of helping out needy senior dogs.
 
GM: How long have you written poetry? 
 
HC: You know, I have written poetry all my life – secretly!  And I say “secretly” because it has been a way for me to express some of my most personal feelings.  And as far as the book is concerned, it just seemed like the right format for what I wanted to say.  I’m working on some other ideas at the moment and it may not be poetry.  Hopefully, I will have something that is worth saying and that it is worth reading!
 
Julie Nowicki, President of The Grey Muzzle Organization, explains, “This book is such a beautiful tribute to the value of old dogs and the bond they share with people. One of our most important goals this year is to assist community programs that help owners, especially our senior citizens, keep their old dogs despite financial instability by assisting them with vet bills, food and supplies for their beloved senior dogs. We’re very grateful that Mr. Creel has chosen to use the proceeds to support old dogs and their owners, who would otherwise be separated at the time when they need each other most. We're thrilled to create Chester's Home Fund to support this important goal and honor Mr. Creel's contribution.”

 

Buy the book through secure PayPal shopping (credit cards accepted):

$19.95 + $3.00 shipping

Donate to Chester's Home Fund: