That was pretty cool.
Round the same age, I had a book of short stories centered around dogs. The only one I remember was about his farm that wanted to get rid of theirs because he was getting old.
So they got this full grown pup to replace him. There was probably a kid who didn't want the old one to go or something like that, I forget.
Anyways, things ain't looking good for the senior.
One day, after heavy rains, the creek running through the farm was all swollen, but the dogs had to cross it to get home. The young one dove in and paddled furiously against the current to get to the other side, but was getting carried down river instead, getting all exhausted.
Then the older one dove in, but instead of swimming against it, he swam WITH the current to get to the other side. Ended up a bit downriver, but got across with not much extra effort.
Then he helped the other dog also.
So the owners saw his value and kept him.
THE END.
Ok, like big overt message/lesson, but at that age, it really made and impact on lil' Vaga.
And you know what? I've never been replaced by a puppy!