Grandpa use to wear a hat that said, “Ask me about my granddogs.” And for those who took the time to ask, they were treated to wonderful stories. Alright, so Grandpa had a sense of humor. Before the addition of the hat that gave away the punchline, he would take great delight in talking about Lemmy, Chuck Billy and I in such a way that the listener didn’t know if he was talking about children or dogs. And what looks of relief and laughter he’d get, when at the end of the tale he’d reveal we are dogs!
As Grandpa’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease progressed, that special hat took on greater meaning. It was a way for people to interact with him, especially when Grandma had to drop him off at the senior center for an afternoon or when he eventually had to move into an assisted living home. On the days Grandpa could find his words, he would happily share his favorite dog stories, whether they be about us or his childhood dog, Cookie. On the days Grandpa was struggling, it invited those around him to share their favorite dog stories to connect with him. This would make Grandpa smile, because he loved all dogs. And all dogs loved him!
I didn’t know Grandpa as well as angles Lemmy and Chuck Billy did. Lemmy knew him the best and had many wonderful years with Grandpa all to himself before Chuck Billy’s arrival. Oh how they would wrestle, and invent new games like Lemmy safely removing his glasses and hat! Alright, so their shenanigans often got them in a time out! But everyone is in agreement that Grandpa was Lemmy’s favorite partner in crime. When Chuck Billy arrived, he took great pride in teaching Grandpa his all time favorite game of fetch! Before that Grandpa would chase Lemmy in a rousing game of “har! har! I have the ball and you don’t!” But Grandpa was slowing down by Chuck Billy’s arrival, and Lemmy reluctantly played by the new rules.
There was one thing though that annoyed Chuck Billy when he was a puppy. Grandpa called them both “Lemmy.” At first Chuck Billy didn’t understand why Grandpa couldn’t remember his name. He would get mad and stomp his paws if called the wrong name one too many times while playing. But then one day at the rehabilitation hospital, after Grandpa’s stroke, it all made sense to him. A nurse asked him who we were, and Grandpa put on the biggest smile and said, “they are my granddogs!” And proceeded to tell her all about Lemmy and Chuck Billy. From day forward, Chuck Billy knew whatever Grandpa called him, he was loved.
By the time I joined the family, the disease was taking its toll. We were no longer “Lemmy,” but simply “doggies.” That still didn’t stop Grandpa though from telling anyone and everyone who would listen about us, and oh how he smiled when Mom gave him updates on our adventures. Sadly Grandpa’s time with me was brief. But in that time together, despite being a rambunctious puppy, I knew just quietly sitting with my head on his lap, was exactly what Grandpa needed. Oh don’t get me wrong! We still played! But rather than wrestle or fetch, we’d play this game where Grandpa would put a treat in one hand, and I had to guess which one. Oh how he’d laugh when I guessed the wrong hand! But he always gave me the treat no matter if I was right or wrong. Those treats tasted the best.
Today marks 9 years since Grandpa’s battle with Alzheimer’s Disease ended. It is our family tradition to honor his memory while helping future Grandpas and Grandmas, by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Across the country this autumn, countless other families are participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, as we strive to raise funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Some walk as a pack at special gatherings, or some, like us, prefer a quiet walk. This year I know while we walked that wooded path, Grandpa was walking beside us in spirit with angels Chuck Billy and Lemmy. After all, Chuck Billy was all about traditions, and he would insist on it, especially now that the three of them are together again.
To learn more about this fundraising effort, find an in-person walk near you anywhere across the country, register for your virtual walk, or to make a donation, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I’d also like to take a moment here to thank the Alzheimer’s Association for helping our Grandma every step of the way in finding the resources and support our family needed to help care for Grandpa in his courageous battle over the years. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s Disease, so that future Grandpa’s can share their memories of their granddogs, while getting into mischief together.
