By TEDDY ALLEN/Designated Writers

The day was filled with glee in the bustling DW Offices because one of our own celebrated a birthday.

Gracie Lou Allen, DW’s Barketing Manager extraordinaire, turned 3. It is not every day somebody turns 3; in fact, it is only that One Single Day. All the more reason to rejoice at this milestone.

We got Gracie Lou from Mississippi. She is a Maltese, and of course Mississippi is the heartland when you’re talking about full-bred Maltese puppies. It is also the heartland when you’re talking about good football and educational woes and the Neshoba County Fair, but mainly Mississippi is known for its strong Maltese production.

Gracie has been less than stellar as a Barketing Manager. For the past year, all we’ve heard is “I’m just a dog!” and “But I’m only 2!”

Kids. What are you gonna do?

But as a Maltese, Gracie has brought lots of joy. She’s also brought lots of bills. Mostly for food. She came to us as a two-month-old weighing three pounds. She weighs 12 now. She has kept the Cheerios cereal corporation in business. She is not fat but she is stocky and still quick. She has no hops; she can jump down from things but not up to things.

We celebrated this evening by playing Fetch The Tennis Ball and by drinking lots of water. And by watching winless Cincy play winless Pittsburgh. You can’t have everything…

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