Yesterday, we said our final goodbye to Gracie Lou. Our beloved pup, of almost 15 years.
And I say puppy, because anyone who knew Grace knows that she never really grew out of "the puppy stage"... one of the many things about her that was so unique.
She's the only dog I knew who loved garden vegetables, became "fake pregnant" -- lactating and all -- not once but twice, and who had a LOVE for us the size of Texas.
If you're not a dog person (or pet person), I don't expect you to understand... but if you are, then you know that a dog is part of the family. That's why saying "goodbye" is so hard... you are losing a part of your family. And the funny thing is, Grace was never really intended to be "my" dog. Zac and Lance bought her together... a bird dog, to hunt with them and retrieve waterfowl. But when Zac & I got married and bought a house, she needed to be rescued from her outdoor kennel life and given some love, and so she moved in with us.
I've combed through my computer and found over ONE THOUSAND photos that I've taken of Grace from the last 15 years. And somehow, I don't have a single photo of her as a puppy... but I've got plenty of others to share...
If you've never had the pleasure, meet Grace:
a dog of many expressions.
a LOVER, always in your face and at your feet.
a helper, always by your side, for any and all projects.
an adventurer... she loved wood walks in the winter & water play in the summer.
my walking buddy.
a protector, especially of small children, and a FRIEND.
She was alwayyyys hungry.
And her most favorite thing to do in all the land, was to drink water straight from the facet.
Grace has been with us through the best of times, and through the worst of times.
We will miss this pup something fierce, but I am so thankful for all the joy she brought us, and all the precious memories that we've made with her.
Give your pup an extra squeeze today.
