September 12, 2007

• In loving memory of Gracie

  
  
  Dear Friends,

  I just haven’t known what to do or say.  Our little Gracie was killed in a horrible accident.  We came home to find that she had been killed by a big floor mirror in our house.  There was nothing we could do.
  
  I decided to write this post so I could let you all know what happened and to also remember how wonderful Gracie was.  At first I wasn’t able to tell anyone…because then it would be real and I didn’t want to burden anyone with such sadness.  Then slowly I started to share and the love and support of friends, family and even strangers has been so healing.  I’m just overwhelmed by the kindness of people. 
  
  Here are some of the things we loved and will always remember about Gracie:
  
  When we first saw Gracie she was in such bad shape – abused, dirty and scared.  Yet she had such a gentle spirit and a yearning to be loved.  I’d have to be really careful because if I accidentally tripped over her or opened the door on her she would get so scared and low to the ground as if she did something wrong.  She cried all the time in the beginning.  I’d wake up in the middle of the night to hear her whimpering in her sleep.  I knew that I would do anything it took to erase all the pain and suffering she went through previously.
  
  Gracie was a homeless dog at one point so she didn’t know about a lot of things.  She didn’t know that dogs love sticking their heads out of car windows (Gina taught her how).  She didn’t know how to play with toys (Bella taught her how).  Gracie was such a smart dog.  We were amazed when she learned how to “high 5″ just by watching Bella.  We had never taught her yet she one day just knew how to do it!
  
  Our Gracie was a little piggy.  She ate every meal as if it were her last.  One time we caught her chowing down on the crown molding.  Another time Andy, Gina and I were playing the Wii and made lots of carpet fuzz.  We each thought the other had cleaned it but then realized Gracie had eaten it all up!  Later we put carpet fuzz on the table so she couldn’t get to it.  It was blowing in the air conditioning wind so she was suspicious and barked at it.  Andy showed it to her.  She took one sniff and then tried to take a bite.
  
  Gracie was always a protector.  Even though Bella was older and much bigger, Gracie always looked out for her.  Once at the dog park there were two bully dogs who were scaring Bella.  When Gracie saw this she suddenly ran from across the park to defend Bella’s honor.  It was unbelievable…this tiny dog barked at two big dogs and chased them away to protect her sister.  Gracie was so patient with Bella.  She let Bella eat first and never complained when Bella stole her toys.  When we’d get ready to take them outside Gracie would grab Bella’s leash every single time.  It was so cute.
  
  Gracie was such an amazing dog.  People and dogs loved her anywhere we went.  She was so outgoing (as opposed to Bella who is the shy sister).  Most of you probably know about Gracie’s boyfriend, Redford.  He followed her everywhere.  Once she hit her head on a chair but because he was following her she blamed it on him and barked at him.  When she first met my mom she must’ve known that my mom was against a second dog because she acted like a perfect little angel.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  We are going to miss Gracie so much.  We’re going to miss having her hide in the shoe case and jump out when we got home as if to say, “surprise!”…we’re going to miss how cute she looks when she sits and does her special trot…we’re going to miss having her rest her head on our laps…we’re just going to miss everything about her.  Gracie isn’t allowed on the bed but we had this stool next to the bed for about a week.  She never came up until the last day.  That morning we woke up to her big wet nose and kisses and she just snuggled in with us.  I guess that must’ve been her way of saying good-bye.
  
  My parents said that Gracie wasn’t destined to have a long life.  She had a special purpose in this world – to make us incredibly happy when she was with us…to show us the dangers that lie within our own homes…to teach us to cherish every single moment we have with the ones we love because life is so fleeting.  I try to think of happy memories of her…yet the pain is still so heart-wrenching.  Sometimes I can’t breathe and I’m physically in pain.  I just think…if only I had known then I would’ve let her eat anything she wanted…I would’ve taken her to the dog park one last time…I would’ve spent more time with her.
  
  Thanks so much for reading and for remembering Gracie.  We’re leaving for South Africa so I won’t be able to respond to your comments/messages until I get back.  I also promise to catch up on all the posts/calls/e-mails/messages I’ve missed.  I hope you all have a wonderful next few weeks and truly enjoy your time with loved ones.
  
  I’d love it if you would leave a comment or message me with memories of your pets that have passed or just your thoughts on Gracie.  I’ll look back here to remember Gracie and cherish her memories.
  
  Take care,

  Jenny

  
  

  
  
  

  • 8:57 pm
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