BOWIE, black spanador, aged 15 years Oriental Bay, Wellington, late autumn Gait: delicate. Each forefoot placed with the care of a man descending stairs in the dark. The body still carries its old authority. The muzzle: grey-white, as though the salt air has been slowly claiming him. Shadow: long, attending. Note: he is not slowing. He is paying attention. See also: MAX (younger, elsewhere, nose-first into the unseen); SUNDAY (entire); THE BAY (holding).