Hi,

Love to tell about Gracie.

Gracie came to our home on July 19, 2009.  She was shy and very timid.  She didn't want to come to Roy at first, but over time she has warmed up to him.  She has learned that when the buzzer goes off in the house, someone is coming up the driveway.   She now recognizes our cars and comes to greet us with her tail a waggin.  She is very polite and does not jump up on you.  She loves to give you her hand, a sign of affection.  She is very gentle and takes her treats very gently from your hand. 

  

The first time we took Gracie for a walk on our 10 acres (no leash) she went willingly and walked with us.  Towards the end of the trail she took off running.  We called for her and headed back only to find her in the backyard at the doggie door.  I think she was trying to tell us that she was done for the day.  She was introduced to Daxi, our son's 5 month old puppy, after a week at her new home.  They both hit it off and Daxi has helped Gracie become more comfortable with her surroundings.  She and Daxi sleep on their beds in our room.  Our son says that Gracie has stolen his dog.  I believe when our son graduates college, he will have to leave Daxi.

I have given Gracie several baths in our shower and she is very good about letting me soap her down and rinse her off.  She doesn't even mind the brushing. She is a very gentle and quiet girl.  This last week we gave her a ride in the 4 wheeler, Ranger, and she did quite well.  She sat and laid down on the blanket and did not attempt to jump out.  When the Ranger backfired, it really scared her.  We reassured her and when it happened again several more times...she knew she was okay.   The next adventure is going fishing with Roy in the boat (more to follow).

She has a couple of bad habits, like knocking over her bowl...so we got anther one that is harder to tip.  She pulled on my daybed comforter and it fell apart, dragged a pillow (blanket) or two out of the doggie door.  And the worst was tearing a hole in a twin mattress.  This has only happened when we have been gone and Daxi was in the kennel.  We now have confined them to the utility room using a walk through gate and they have access to backyard (doggie door) when we are gone. This also has allowed us to not kennel Daxi anymore.  They both seem to be much happier since they can play together and go in out as they please.   I know as the days go by, Gracie will continue to improve and come to know she is in her furever home and is truly loved. 

                                  

Gracie will be having knee surgery in early October at the same time Daxi is getting fixed.  We will update you on her continued progress and will send more pictures.

Roy and Colisa