Old Dogs-there is nothing we won't do

When her mother died, a dear client took in the old German Shepherd mix, 'Bella'(name changed) who had been her mother's beloved companion. Bella was about 12 when she came to live in the Turtle Creek high rise. The couple had a little 'Westie' who I had cared for several years. The dogs did well together and Bella had no problem adjusting to the elevator ride down to the parking garage and our walk out to the beautiful landscaped grounds.
When the wife went out of town she still had me come in to care for the dogs so that her husband could go to work without having to attend to them. This was fine, and not unusual.
It became apparent, after about a year, that Bella was going deaf. Not a big deal, it happens. The old dog somehow was always roused by the younger Westie so she came out to me soon after I entered the front door. Upon entering one morning, the younger dog came running, but not Bella. I called softly, but of course she could not hear. As it was quite early, I had the feeling that the husband was home, and probably sleeping. I made my way toward the master bedroom, where I knew Bella slept but she still did not appear. The bedroom was dark and, as I feared, the husband was in bed. There on the floor, near the head of the bed, Bella was sleeping soundly. Thinking about my approach to this 'delicate' problem, I finally got down on the floor and crawled along softly calling Bella-don't ask why- I have no idea. Probably I was hoping she would sense me and get up. The bed was far from the door and I slithered-I could do that then- along the floor until I reached her feet, which I tapped lightly. No response! Not wanting to startle her, as you easily can if they are deaf, I rubbed her feet gently. Still no response, so I moved closer along the side of the bed. In the dark I could tell hubby was turned away from the the dog, but was on that side. Finally coming up next to her, and in a sweat, I patted her shoulders, as I was stretched out next to her now. She finally opened her eyes and, started to get up. As I turned to crawl out of there as quickly and quietly as possible, in the dark I heard, 'Hi, Jeneva".
I never did know how long he was awake enjoying my heroic endeavor to get this old dog out of the bedroom, so I could do what I am paid to do. I think I just mumbled 'Hi John', and continued to crawl out. 
Old dogs are special, and a lot is required of us, after all free years of love and devotion we receive from them.