Long Life Can Be a Liability
Dear Frankie has expanded to videos. Find her on Facebook, Instagarm, and TikTok. Search for dearfrankie dogtodogadvice.
Dear Frankie,
Sixteen years of excellent health can be a liability. Most of the friends I made at the dog park when we were puppies are no longer alive. The two pals that are left aren’t in great shape and rarely come to the park.
The only time we get together is at the annual dog park fundraiser. But it’s not the same; Jamie doesn’t know who I am, and Myrtle can’t hear, so it’s hard to have a conversation.
I’m grateful for my good health and for the quiet pleasures of reading books, watching the soaps, and hanging out with my parents. But every once in a while, thoughts surface of times I was in love, hot summer days at the creek with friends, and dog parades in goofy outfits, and I long to have just one of those days back.
Clara
Dear Clara,
When we’re young, we think the dog park, the creek, our first loves, and our closest friends will always be there. We don’t realize those moments quietly become memories as we live them.
Jamie forgetting who you are and Myrtle struggling to hear are painful reminders that time brings significant changes for everyone, even those who remain healthy. A long life means saying goodbye to those you held near and dear. It also means you had wonderful friends to love.
There is nothing stopping you from making friends with some of the younger dogs at the park. Many would be delighted to receive a good book recommendation, hear your thoughts on a soap opera, and have someone to listen to them.
In this day and age, getting someone’s undivided attention is comparable to winning the lottery.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the 6/4/26 issue: 06-04-26 Graduation
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
