Friday, May 21, 2010

Gracie


I lost my dog last week to old age and kidney disease. She was a great dog, a terrier through and through. I used to have two Airedales, but Ernie died three years ago and Gracie and I worked through our grief together. In the last three years she really came into her own, pulling out of Ernie's shadow. She was my side kick and I took her everywhere with me. She loved to sit shotgun in my car and hang her head out the window. I can't tell you how many conversations I had with people sitting at a signal because of that cute little airedale face.

Two years ago, my first posting for Illustration Friday was for the topic Choose and I did a quick sketch in photoshop of Gracie being very finicky about her meal choices. She was definitely the pickiest eater I have ever had in a dog, sniffing at steak and looking up at me like I was trying to poison her.

When I worked long hours at my computer, she would sneak up behind me and give me a loud bark telling me it was time to take a break and have some fun. One of her cutest habits was at night. We would climb into bed for cookie time. She'd eat a few dog cookies and I'd give her a long scratch, but the minute I turned out the lights, she would jump off the bed and head down stairs to sleep in her own bed and guard the house. Just before she headed out of my bedroom, she would stop at the doorway and look back at me. I would say good night baby girl, and then she would trot on down the stairs. She never missed a night.






18 comments:

Tamara Henderson said...

Hey Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your dog. I have a little Yorkie and I can imagine what you going through because I really love my dog too.

Deb said...

Thank you Tamara. It is so hard, I can't even tell you. Trying to stay really busy.

Yorkies are so cute. Don't you just love terriers?!

Alicia Padrón said...

This is a beautiful post Deb, even though it is such a sad loss.

I am so sorry Gracie had to leave but you gave her such a beautiful life Deb. Always remember that. My thoughts are always with you..

Alicia Padrón said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deb said...

Thanks so much Ali...you've been so sweet. Boy, animals can really get inside your heart can't they?
I may have given her a good life, but she gave back so much more in return.....

Lori said...

We miss her everyday too Deb. I loved that post. What a nice tribute! The cookie story is so cute!

Deb said...

Thanks Lori....just not the same without her is it?

Gina Perry said...

What a sweet post Deb. Those special moments will stay with you always, and it sounds like Gracie had wonderful human to give her such a fun and cozy doggie life.

Deb said...

Thanks Gina....it was a cozy life for both her and me :)

Patti said...

Just give me the signal and you'll have your new one on your door step! xoxo

Deb said...

What a sister you are!!
Love you....Deb

roz said...

What a lovely dedication to such a beautiful girl. I know you will cherish the time you had with her for a lifetime. What a gift she was. Thank you for sharing her with us. I can see she had a lovely spirit about her.
xo

Deb said...

Oh, thanks so much Roz....she was a sweetheart.

Kathy said...

Agh... this is so touching... I'm welling up as I type... I'm so sorry you lost your baby... it is something I can relate to, and it is just so incredibly tough. you just have to go on, that's all you can do.

What a loving tribute to your Gracie. XO

Deb said...

Thanks so much Kathy....I know you know!

Annie Patterson said...

Sorry to hear you lost your sweet doggie. It's so painful! I love Airedales, too. In fact I'm looking at one right now outside my mom's window as I type. Love the illustration!

Deb said...

Aww, thanks Annie. Airedales are special aren't they?

Deb

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

oh, I'm so sorry to read that you have lost Gracie, she seemed to be a great dog!