Craig and I got Ally while we were out of town two weeks after our wedding! The Humane Society called my cell phone and told me they had an 'owner release' golden retriever and did I want her? They informed me that they couldn't hold her unless I committed to her and that I had to make a decision over the phone...they also mentioned that she was "chubby" and had just had a litter of 12 puppies so she had "nips". On a whim I said yes, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made!!!Ally has been with us in 6 different homes, moved across the country with us and happily greeted each of our boys when we brought them home from the hospital. (okay...to be fair...she kind of rolled her eyes at us when Luke came as if to say "You really thought another one was a good idea???") She managed to outlive Mia, who we got just two weeks after we brought home Ally but Mia was a puppy whereas Ally was 3. (We never saw that one coming!) She has been here for the various "mistakes" we have provided temporary homes for over the years and has been a part of our family long before our children were!
Poor Ally never managed to lose the baby weight, earning her the nickname Big Al by everyone who knows her, but she has the happiest face of any dog I have ever known. She has always been the dog we want the others to learn from as I can count on one hand the number of things she has done wrong! My whole family has thought "this might be her last Christmas" for the past few years but she proves us wrong with each passing one :) She may now waddle rather than walk, but throw a ball and she will still go after it. Throw it in the pool and step back as the splash that comes with her will soak you!
Ally tends to spend 90% of her time on her bed in my closet these days, but still comes out to join the family every night. We may be shocked that she has made it to her 13'th Birthday but are so happy that she has. We know Big Al won't be around forever but we sure are grateful she's still going, and going and going....
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