Random Nonsense

Hi, I am Gomer. I am a rather dumpy, old basset hound. Well, not old really, just rather infirm from an illness that left me permanently damaged. My owner has many dogs and, to my heavy lidded eyes, they all appear to be sleek, graceful, young foxhounds. My place is by the fire where I warm my aching body and dream of days gone by....... my glory days, when I was able to leave my place on the hearth and be of some value to the world. I was never one of the elite, my nose was, not really any better or worse than any other but is significantly below par for a basset, my short, crooked legs just couldn't keep up with the pack, and my big floppy ears always seemed to get into the brambles. My poor Master had to spend many an hour picking thorns and nettles out of them. My once shiny coat is rough and dull and my head rests between my paws as I watch my surroundings with eyes dim and weak.
My Master has always loved me, though when I look at the other dogs I can't see why! He pets me, and talks with me, and he never expects more of me than I am able to do. He still asks me to do certain jobs and expects prompt obedience. Sometimes I get to fetch his slippers and sometimes I warm his feet. These menial tasks are about all that I can accomplish and sometimes even they are almost more than I can do, but I am so happy that my Master still wants me. Sometimes it seems as if the other dogs scorn me for what they see as idleness, sometimes they appear to pity me. Sometimes, in their desire to help me get stronger and do better, they make my jobs harder. Like the time that Lady hid our Master's slippers and I had to hunt longer for them, she meant well but it was so hard on me and it took me days to recover. Usually though, they just go about their business and forget about me. They don't realize that I still love to hear about the days work, that I long for the thrill of the chase, or even just a little companionship by the fire. It gets so lonely here, just me and my dreams.
The rest of the pack are living lives of purpose and energetic excitement. They seems so very useful and necessary, but me? I can't even keep the fire going and I hardly see my meager efforts as necessary. Though my life lacks the excitement and glory of the others, I am trying to be content with my lot in life and am learning no to wander too far from the fire, no matter what rabbit trail I may smell.