Being old should come with a few privileges, right? I should be called “Madame” instead of just “Ginger.” I should be spending my retirement lounging on a beach in The Maldives and being waited on by exquisite boys. I should live in a drafty manor with a massive oil painting of my own face on the wall. I’ll be 14 in a few weeks and would you believe I don’t own a single bespoke teapot?  Instead of being Grande Dame Ginger who has her milliner on speed dial, as I should be, I’m Ginger, the oldest dog in the shelter. My needs are met, of course, but this is not the retirement I had envisioned.  Of course, it’s not too late, to live my dreams. I’m a bit creaky and bit deaf, but I still love attention and treats. I like short walks and ear scratches. And, if I’m being honest, I don’t actually need velvet cushions and eiderdown. A thrift store couch is fine with me. I just need a quiet home with no other animals and lots of love.  Because I’m over 10 years old, I qualify for the Seniors-4-Seniors program, which means that if someone over 65 adopts me, my adoption fee is just $1 and routine vet care is covered at the shelter at no cost to my adopter for the rest of my life. It will be the best dollar you’ll ever spend.  My name is Ginger, I’m almost 14 years old, and I’m spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted.