Gracie (Much Loved - 07.04.07 -29.08.07)

Gracie arrived at Tailends on Saturday 7th April 2007. She came from a dog pound in Derbyshire after being rescued by a Rotherham Dog Rescue. She was the most pathetic little scrap you could imagine. She had large bald areas of black smelly skin on her back, the whole of her tummy and her tail. She seemed to have cystitis and was very thin. The most urgent problem was her eyes. She seemed to have an ulcer in her right eye and she was immediately taken to the vet with George (Easter Sunday or not!). She was in obvious pain from her eyes and was awake most of the night although she stayed on her chair and did not complain. She was screwing her eyes up and they were very watery. She had chosen one of the arm chairs as her own special place and curled up there in a nice duvet. She was a very sweet little girl who had obviously suffered dreadful neglect in the past. She was now safe and receiving any treatment which she needed. Gracie had blood tests done in the first week. The kidneys were showing early signs of problems and she was anaemic, which was not exactly unexpected and would soon be resolved hopefully. However her liver enzymes were much raised (three times what they should be) and we were worried that there may be disease there. Gracie went to the vet on 11th April to have her eyes checked. There was marked improvement and her skin was already looking much better. Her anal glands were very blocked and one was emptied. The other one would be done when she came to be scanned/spayed as it was very painful.

I had her scanned on Wednesday 18th April to ensure that she did not have a tumour which could need surgery. Gracie had so much spirit and was thrilled to be here with toys to play with and plenty of nutritious tasty food. She was fascinated with the beach. This poor little mite was so excited about everything. It was a joy to watch her. I hoped we could sort out her skin and other health problems with the Malaseb baths and antibiotics. What a species we are to allow our companion animals to get into a state like this.

Gracie had come into season in her first few days at Tailends so could not be spayed. The scan was clear and a urine test was fine apart from slightly raised protein which is not uncommon. Her liver was now normal and her eye ulcer had healed and just left a small scar. Gracie was taken to the vet as an emergency on 4th May when her right earflap became very swollen and both ears were crusty. She was given antibiotics (Synulox) and within 24hrs the ears looked better. Her skin was now much improved. She was now a very different dog to the one who arrived here in early April.

It soon became clear that Gracie was a lively little girl who was not as old as at first thought. It was apparent that she was too energetic for the elderly dogs at Tailends so we reluctantly decided that the best thing was to find her a very special home with no other dogs where she could be in a fun-loving environment – not an old folk’s home. We were so lucky to find Michelle, a lovely caring lady who lived in Somerset, and after a home check had been carried out, Michelle and her husband came to Tailends to meet Gracie. I immediately knew that Gracie would be much loved and cared for in her new home with Michelle and her family. I do not think we could ever have found a better home for this sweet little girl and I know Michelle is utterly devastated by her tragic untimely death. We share her grief at the loss of this bouncy little girl who had suffered so much in her past. Here is Michelle’s sad tribute to Gracie. We would like to thank Michelle for the wonderful happy months which she gave to Gracie. She could so easily have died unloved in a dog pound.

EULOGY TO GRACIE

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write of Gracie's demise. On the 29th August, she ran out into the road and was hit by a speeding driver who subsequently never even bothered to stop. Despite horrendous injuries, she stood up, at which point I was by her side and was able to pick her shattered body up in my arms. Due to the kindness of a stranger in another car, I was driven straight to my vets' and she was put to sleep in my arms. During this whole time, I constantly talked to her and I know she heard my voice as I could feel her little tail wagging in my hand. She did not suffer, of that I am certain, as there was not a sound from her. I wrote to the local paper to send an open thank you for the concern of strangers and my abhorrence of the one who did not stop. I suppose I wanted the whole world to know what had happened...So, there you have it. Perhaps, as my personal eulogy to my dog, you, the reader will allow me to write it as a letter.

My darling Gracie,
I never for one minute thought I would be writing this so soon about you. You have only lived here with us for the last 5 months and yet it feels like you have made an impression on my life comparable to 5 years worth. You became a great friend to my 4 year old son who loved the tug of war games you so enjoyed. I drive by the places we would walk for miles, discovering new paths and places to stretch our legs and walk in contented silence. I cannot bring myself to go there on my own.

Within the house, you followed me everywhere. Even when you were comfortable on the couch; if I went upstairs, I would turn to see you a few steps behind me, just checking where I was going. And though I feel your presence by my legs; your physical form is not.

I was so angry to put away your water bowl and to clear the car of your harness, water jug etc. I cannot put away your red couch blanket or basket of toys. The blanket is folded up and placed gently but determinedly on the arm of the couch and will stay there until I feel the time is 'right'. Your toys remain, too.

I have your collar. A collar I have so frequently had to wash due to your love of rolling! I do not wash it now and am grateful for the dog scent it has for me to quietly inhale when in despair at your departure.

I know you are with my beloved 16 year old Jack Russell, Minell. I know she was there to greet you when you were rested enough to pass over. My sadness was indescribable when she died about 18 months ago, but it was due to fairly long elderly problems, so one was somewhat 'prepared'. But your sudden death after such a miserable life was horrific and has broken my heart. No amount of consolement of what life I gave you in these last few months seems to be of help yet, hopefully it will in time.

So, goodbye, my little dog, who I fell in love with from the first minute I clapped eyes on you and who became such a big part of my life in such a short time. I shall see you in my dreams. I was blessed with your love.

Written by her mum Michelle.