Bibi, a gentle and elderly golden retriever, had always been the heart of the family. With her soft brown eyes and patient soul, she had watched the children grow, comforted the grandparents, and always welcomed guests with a wagging tail. But lately, Bibi had been moving slower, limping slightly on her back leg and hesitating before climbing stairs. The vet confirmed what the family suspected: arthritis had crept into her joints.
Determined to help Bibi feel better, Grandma Lan took it upon herself to care for her in the most loving way possible. “We’ll take good care of you, old girl,” she said, stroking Bibi’s soft fur. The vet had prescribed medicine to help ease the inflammation and pain. But Grandma Lan, who believed in the healing power of food as much as medicine, added a special touch of her own—green bean soup.
Every morning, while the sun peeked over the horizon, the kitchen would fill with the gentle aroma of simmering mung beans. Grandma Lan would boil the green beans until they were soft and creamy, then add a bit of brown sugar and a pinch of salt. The soup was smooth, warm, and comforting. While it was a traditional dessert for people, Lan made a salt-free version for Bibi—thinner, without sugar, but nourishing.
“Green beans help cool the body and are good for inflammation,” Grandma Lan explained to the curious grandchildren, who watched as Bibi lapped up her warm bowl with delight. Bibi’s tail thumped gently as she finished, her eyes brighter than they had been in days.
Alongside her daily soup, Bibi received her arthritis medication hidden inside a spoonful of mashed sweet potato. The trick worked like magic. She didn’t fuss, and the medicine began to take effect. Soon, she started to move more easily, stretching her legs a bit farther on walks, wagging her tail higher, and even attempting a gentle trot when she heard the dinner bell.
The entire family noticed the change. “She’s glowing again!” the youngest child, Mai, exclaimed one afternoon as Bibi rolled over for a belly rub. Grandma Lan smiled. “Good food, good medicine, and lots of love,” she said. “That’s the secret.”
As the days turned into weeks, Bibi continued her healing routine. The combination of her arthritis medicine and green bean soup gave her strength. She even resumed her favorite nap spot under the mango tree in the backyard, something she hadn’t done in months. The children would often bring their toys out and play near her, laughing and including her in their games.
Though Bibi was still an old dog, her spirit was alive and well. Her movements became steadier, and she once again held her head high. The family knew that age couldn’t be stopped, but with a little care and creativity, they could make Bibi’s golden years full of comfort and joy.
And so, every day, Bibi enjoyed her green bean soup, took her medicine like a champ, and basked in the love that surrounded her.
