Alzheimer's: Old dog, new dog

My friend announced the other day that they had a new dog … at least it was suddenly new to her husband who has Alzheimer's.

He asked her when they had gotten the dog. Not too long ago, she explained cheerfully.

Good for her! Honestly, how else are you going to respond to a question like that when this pet has been a member of the family for a long time?

Don't get angry. Don't grieve another loss.

And when the husband said that HE seems like a nice dog, the wife simply replied, yes, SHE is.

Play the game. It makes it more bearable.

And my friend and I ended up laughing hysterically on the phone about this. We were not laughing at her husband, but at the circumstances that have presented themselves.

She can cope by …

Introducing the dog every day to her husband: "Honey, look what I've got! What should we name her?"

Marveling every day at how affectionate the dog is: "Honey, look, she loves you already, just as if she's known you all her life."

Taking on the role of a humanitarian: "Honey, look at what I found wandering the streets! She just needs a good home and a safe place to live. Don't worry, I'll take care of her."

Though he may not remember his pet's name—or its sex—that's okay because he will fall in love with her anew every day … and she will love him unconditionally and take her usual place alongside his chair every day.

Now, that's a love story for the rest of us to remember.