Gracie

August 2, 2011


Gracie died tonight. It was really unexpected. She seemed fine when I came home from work today. She was never energetic, never a tail wagger, never an excited jumper. But still, I was her owner, and I always knew if she was fine or not. And she was fine. Just old.

I went to do P90x at my neighbor's house, and about forty minutes into it, Jared showed up at the door and said, "I think Gracie just died."

She didn't want her dinner tonight. Then he tried to take her out and she couldn't stand up. She got to the end of the driveway, so Jared carried her back inside, layed her down on her pillow and she died.

She was almost twelve and I always loved having her around the house. She didn't do much, but she was a calming presence. I always let her on the furniture when I was around--don't tell Jared. And I never really called her Gracie--Grace, or beautiful, or pretty girl. I know, I know, totally crazy, but I always wanted a greyhound.

When we took the dogs to watch the Boston Marathon this year, everyone wanted to pet/talk about/take pictures of Gracie. Not a lot of attention on Coach. Gracie was more striking. She was a really pretty dog.

I'm glad she went on her own. Really glad for the nonchalant way that she made her exit. Kind of fitting for the laziest dog in the world.

Oh Gracie. I'm really glad I got to have her. Greyhounds are just different.

27 comments:

Mindy said...

So sorry, Amy.

TheBakerHalfDozen said...

I'm so sorry, Amy and Jared.

Smoochiefrog said...

So sorry to hear of Gracie's passing.

Mrs Furious said...

Oh, Amy, I'm really sorry to hear about Gracie. I know how hard losing a pet can be, even if they do shit all over the floor. Hugs.

EB said...

Amy I'm so sorry. It's funny what an important part of life they become. Erin Bradley

Amanda @ Click. The Good News said...

oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad that it was peaceful and she's lazying around the rainbow bridge.

Anonymous said...

In the ever loving words of George Burns, "Say good night Gracie". :( So sorry. Over the last four years or so, I enjoyed your posts about her.

Loralei said...

Amy-

I'm so very sorry to learn about Gracie. I always enjoyed your posts about her. Those furry family members have a way of working so deep into our hearts. Take care of yourself.

Tyger Lily said...

I'm so sorry Amy!

Katy Shamitz said...

I loved you, Gracie. Especially your knack for stealing food from really REALLY high places.

Morgan Hagey said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose pets. Hugs hon.

Kim said...

I'm sorry. That's never easy.

Camille said...

What a pretty lady. Sorry about the loss.

Grandma said...

We loved you Gracie and we will miss you. I will always picture you standing up twice a day and hurrying over for your meal. That was the only time you hurried...well then and in your younger years on one crazy walk in Dallas where you nearly dragged me for a block.You were a regal girl and I loved how you and Rocky were pals when he was alive and how you let him have your giant pillow and you curled up on his tiny one:)

Jes said...

I am so sorry. I remember how hard it was to lose my "baby" (dog).

Jennifer Frampton said...

:( I'm sad for your loss. They are part of the family. I'm glad she went peacefully.

Karen said...

I know the memories of Gracie will comfort you. She was a beautiful girl.

Anonymous said...

I cried. I am the Mom of a 12yo Siberian husky. His every move is a chronicled moment now :) He no longer rushes to his meals - and sometimes looks at me like he is tired - I so understand and am so sorry. Gracie's memories will live on and you will smile when you think of her for years to come

sherijung said...

Ohhh, I'm so sorry. A good dog is a gift from God.

Sarah said...

Oh Good-bye Miss Gracie. How sad to hear. But what a good, long life you had! I will miss the stories of that dog. I can only hope Hunter goes so quickly and painlessly...(he's 11 already!)

kristen said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Amy :( Losing a pet is so very hard.

M said...

I'm so sorry. Death of any kind sucks. I'm glad that she went on her own and peacefully. I'm sorry that there is now a greyhound shaped hole in your home.

Samye said...

Oh Amy, I am so sorry!!!

Ian said...

So sorry for your loss, Amy. I remember how hard that was on our entire family. My thoughts are with you.

Amy said...

I'm really sorry to hear this, Amy.

Melissa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Gracie. I have a greyhound, too, and I know what you mean about them being different... in a good, goofy way. It is just never easy to have them leave you. She had a great life with you and your family and got to enjoy lots of love. I know how hard it is... and I'm sorry.

Michelle Glauser said...

Oh, this is sad news. How are the kids taking it?