Gracie

INTRODUCTION     As told by Gracie

AHHH-CHOO! Oh my! Where are my manners? Did I just jump into your lap? It’s the strangest thing; I am easily startled by loud noises, and the sound of someone sneezing makes me jump for cover. How embarrassing. . .but you do have a very cozy lap. I know I’m w-a-y too big to be a lap dog; it’s just that I find so much comfort being close to you. And close to you is where I want to be. All. The. Time.

I am confident that this is only a phase. Once I get used to all the sounds of the city (and suburbs), I shouldn’t be quite so jumpy. Until recently, I’ve lived as a breeder dog in quiet, low-key Iowa, and gosh, there is just so much to learn about this new life in a home and with a family. Before I moved in with my foster mom and dad, I didn’t even realize a door was for going in and out of, and stairs? Mastering those was a comical adventure. But I did it!

I really am a very good girl; my foster mom says I’m “as sweet and gentle as could be.” You will quickly learn that – aside from occasionally trying to jump into your lap – I really have no bad habits. I’m house and crate trained (but I’m so well-behaved that I don’t need to be crated); I get along with other dogs and children. Yet, t I’m so smart that I don’t need a mentor dog to show me the ropes. I don’t go on furniture, nor do I counter surf. I’m not aggressive, and I don’t guard my food or my toys. I have one stuffed toy that I like to carry around, though if that is not around, I might grab a dirty sock. But since dirty socks belong in the hamper and not on the floor, I really don’t consider that a character flaw.

There is one thing I need to tell you: I have some heart concerns, including a heart murmur, arrythmia, and a weakened muscle. (This is why my adoption fee is reduced.) Maybe my heart broke because I have never had a family of my own. I don’t know. But I can say that I am on medication and my cardiologist is seeing improvement. (Who knew I’d have my own cardiologist! I don’t even know what a cardiologist is!) I want to get better, and I know cardio is important. I enjoy taking walks and have gone as far as two miles. If we walk together, it will do both our hearts good.

Might you be my walking partner and help mend my broken heart? Let’s talk.

BEHAVIOR

• Still exhibits some shy behavior in new situations.
• Doesn’t know too many commands; would benefit from obedience training.
• Increasingly trusting of people.
• Sound of running cars makes her nervous.

 HEALTH

• Currently taking medication with positive results. Will need heart retesting in January 2024.