For Gracie xxx

Gracie ... a heartbeat at my feet.

I could not imagine losing our dearly beloved companion and the pain and sadness it would bring.

For many of us with furchildren, our chosen animals are much more than pets - they are dearly loved and valued members of the family.   Grace was the epitome of unconditional love … she adored everyone and shared herself amongst all of us … usually reserving the cuddles and attention to those who needed it most at the time, whether they be suffering health issues, relationship problems, or just feeling down.   She knew intuitively who needed comfort most … 

Teeny tiny Gracie ... 2002

With her buddy Max 

 

 She was a mixed breed who was chosen for her smaller size and hypo allergenic coat.    As I work and study at home, often in a solitary environment, I wanted a companion who would suit being inside often and be happy to keep me company.   If I was at work in the office Gracie was under my desk, if I was in my studio, she was right next to me.  She loved human contact more than anything.

With our Cozzie who lived to be 16

   

 She was the heartbeat at my feet … a shadow at my side. I realise now because I was with her 24/7  that I spent more time with her than anyone else in the last ten years.   Happy times.
 Gracie was also extremely loyal and intelligent, a good watchdog with an acute sense of hearing which made us feel safe.  She was very obedient and easy to train, always wanting to please, with the sweetest nature that never went unnoticed by those who knew her.

Beautiful soul ...

We asked a lot of her … there have been a number of family traumas and trials over the past few years and at the end of the day sometimes the only thing that made sense was holding a warm, happy puppy with the softest fur you had to touch to believe.   Even though she lived almost ten years, Gracie was the eternal puppy … joyful, cuddly, funny and soulful with the sweetest nature … she touched the hearts of many who knew her.

 Poor girl must have been worn out from all that loving and healing.  But appearances showed she was happy and healthy, so we felt we still had a lot more time left with her and many more memories to be made.

Toys all around the house ..

After playing during the day and enjoying the spring sunshine, she ate her dinner and was impatient to come inside.  I was busy with work and she was resting in her bed at my feet.    It was only moments later she suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and collapsed in front of me.  Within two hours she passed away in my arms. 

Gracie’s passing has hit the family hard.  We realise how much we turned to her when times got tough and the comfort it brought.   I will be eternally grateful that she did not suffer a long illness, even though it has been so difficult to come to terms with her sudden death.

We miss the beautiful soul that she was, her constant presence … and we struggle to adapt to the changes in the household.

 

After almost ten years to no longer wake her up in the morning to go outside, not checking on her to bring her in or make sure gates were shut and doors closed, at dinner time that she is not there waiting, not being at my feet during work and study, no barking at the front door to let us know guests had arrived, no soft furry teddy bear of a pup to cuddle late at night when everyone else had left.    

Constant companion ...

 I will endeavour to replace the sadness with endless gratitude for all the joy she brought to our lives, once my heart stops hurting so much and it’s easier to breathe.   

Best dog ever ...

So, enough of my sadness.  That’s the price we pay for being blessed with her unconditional love … and it is a small price to pay.   

 Thank you sweetheart, you have left us with so many happy memories.  

 Our life with you could fill a book and we all miss you so very much.     

Thank you for easing our pain so often,  for being the smile that was missing when times got tough.    

I am eternally grateful for the time you shared with us and we will never forget you.