It’s hard to believe, but next month will mark four years since I adopted Gracie from a rescue in middle Tennessee. She’s been a devoted companion and has seen me through a lot of very difficult life changes in the time we’ve been together. Her soulful eyes have sympathized with me and her snuggles have comforted me.
Gracie had a difficult life before she and I found each other. According to the story I got from her rescue foster-mama, her previous owners had purchased her as an expensive “designer dog” (a puggle, a pug/beagle mix) and were told she would stay very small. I can only assume when they were anticipating a teacup purse-dog, because when she got “too big” (all of about 30 pounds) they decided to leave her in the back yard and forget about her. Some time later, animal control picked her up and took her to the pound. She cowered in the back of her cage, refusing to eat or drink. Thank God, someone at the pound took pity on her and called Happy Tales Humane to see if they would take her. Their feeling was that she “wouldn’t last” at the pound and needed to be fostered in a private home. She spent a week with her foster-mama, getting spayed and caught up on vaccinations. That weekend she was brought to one of Happy Tales’ adoption events, where she and I met for the first time.
My heart went out to her instantly. She was so sad: her head hung, and while all the other adoptable-dogs jumped and played and barked, she didn’t let out a single peep, and hovered at the ankles of her foster-mom’s daughter. I petted her and she leaned into my hand. She was starved for attention and love. It only took a few minutes to fall in love and to know there was no way I was going home without her.
From the very beginning, Grace was my constant companion, following me everywhere and snuggling beside me on the couch whenever I sat down. It took several days for her to let out any noise louder than a soft whimper. I remember being shocked the first time she barked, and even more so the first time she let out a beagle-esque yodel! Slowly, she came out of her shell and has since evolved into quite a character. She knows lots of tricks and is eager to please. But no matter how silly and playful she can be, she’s still mostly a big cuddle-bug, just wanting to be at my side.
She’s been with me through two different apartments and three houses. She’s made the 600+ mile trip between Tennessee and Pennsylvania with me numerous times. She was there with me through homesickness, marriage and divorce, and stresses about work and money. While some people may never understand, her presence and devotion have brought me comfort through so much and I don’t know what I’d have done without her.
Gracie is only one of thousands of animals who have so much to share with a loving family. If you’re considering adding a furry-friend to your family in the new year, please think about adopting a rescue. Even if you have a specific breed in mind, try searching Google for a breed-specific rescue in your region. You’ll be surprised how many dogs (both purebreds and mixes) are desperately in need of good homes. If adopting a dog or cat isn’t an option, please consider donating to a rescue or the ASPCA in your area. It takes a lot of resources to care for these animals while they are waiting for new homes; you can donate money, food, blankets, cleaning supplies, or even just some of your time.
I can promise you from first hand experience: letting a furry, four-legged friend into your heart will be one of the best things you ever do.
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