Fifteen years ago in Shorewood, on Christmas day of 2005, the little bundle of fluff in Mary's arms had just joined our family. Even though under our tree there were many presents, we considered Allie to be the highlight of our Christmas. All these years later she has good days and she has not-so-good days. She's on more medications than I care to admit, she occasionally loses her footing and she doesn't go for walks anymore, she's no longer interested in toys, she can't hear, she has a cardiac condition that causes frequent coughing, and yes it's true dogs really do get dementia and she has it. But she's learned a couple of hand commands, she still knows when it's mealtime and she still gets excited for her food, and she's always by our sides. Allie has moved around the country with us, she saw three kids through adolescence and into adulthood, and she's been the best buddy we could ever ask for. I don't know how many more Christmases we have with her and these days I'm just thankful for every day with this most beloved dog, Allie G.
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