If you follow me on Facebook, you know that sweet Gracie passed away last week. It has taken some time to write this tribute to her. Not because she didn’t deserve it. Precisely because she deserved it. How do you write something like this without bawling like a baby?
We can descend into the abyss of grief, staying there, never to return. Or, we can lift our spirits and think of all the years of happy times that we shared.
Let’s focus on the positive. Please allow me to share my precious memories of her.
No one gave side-eye like Gracie. She had ‘The Look.” If you displeased the Queen, she let you know. Check out the Facebook pics, even recent posts. An extremely intelligent dog, she understood everything and let you know when you were being ridiculous. According to her, it happened a lot.
She hated most dogs but was afraid of the late, great Kiki the cat. Let’s be honest – most of us were afraid of Kiki.
Gracie lunged at pit bulls. She snapped at dogs three times her size. She had no fear yet refused to cross paths with Kiki. She whined whenever the cat blocked her way.
She loved the beach. She hated the car ride there, but once we were at Kiawah, she loved chasing squirrels on the way to the beach. As soon as her paws landed on the sand, she made a mad dash to the ocean. She barked at the birds and splashed in the water.
I have a very fond memory of one particular incident. It was very windy, so people flew kites that day. She spent a long time leaping into the air and barking loudly as she tried to catch the kites.
It took a pandemic for Gracie to enjoy car rides. I suppose she was tired of being stuck in the house too. We took rides at least once a week, not very far. She loved to hang out the car window (securely harnessed and only in low speed situations). She happily leapt into the car, ready for action.
I could go on and on for pages about how fabulous she was. She gave me fourteen years of happy memories. She would have stuck around for longer, but she was in a lot of pain and not doing well. Sometimes, the ultimate kindness is also the one that hurts so much.
Gracie, I will miss you forever. You were a great dog.
P.S.
Gracie was adopted from the Avery County Humane Society at approximately age three. Don’t be shy about visiting your local animal shelter or rescue group. You can find some great pets there. Sure, I am enduring a deep heartache now, but I would do it all over again. She gave me so much joy for so many years. Your next best friend might be waiting for you too!