This morning our Gracie left us. She wasn’t feeling well, so we took her to the vet. While at the vet, her heart just stopped. And just like that, she was gone.

Gracie was one of my step dogs. Part of my blended family. I loved her like she was my own, always.

She was a magnificent Blue Belton English Setter. She was a rescue. She came to us through an English Setter rescue. Her start in life was not easy. She had a cruel first master who dumped her in the mountains a few states away where she gave birth to a litter of puppies. She found some humans she led back to where they all were and she and the puppies were all saved.

She came to my sweet man and stepson as a scared young dog. With love and time she was an awesome girl.  The had most of her life with her, but I shared a good part of her life with them. I was really lucky to have known her,

I knew, we knew ,hat our time was borrowed with her. As she aged she started to lose her eye sight and her hearing. She was almost completely blind. And with the hearing being basically gone we learned to communicate with her by thumping the floor or wall – she felt the vibrations I suppose.

In spite of her failing health she still wagged her tail and lived life with her furry siblings.

It was hard watching her decline. She was such a magnificent dog.

This never gets easier. I loved her like I loved all others before her. Each pet I have had the privilege to love and know has been special and unique. Gracie is no exception. She was one of the dogs who saw me through breast cancer. She was an amazing girl.

My heart is heavy yet I know I was lucky to have a few years with her.

To all my readers, in honor of my Gracie please support your favorite rescue during the holiday season. There are so many homeless pets and they deserve love and shelter…and a home. These rescues are busting at the seams, they need adoptions, and donations to support their populations. Do that for Gracie, please.

Rest in Peace sweet Gracie….I bet you are chasing geese again. We loved you beautiful girl.

THE LAST BATTLE

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend.

Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

~Unknown