17 April 2017 Gracie Jo visited our home with her foster mom, Jana of OPP (Oglala Pet Project). Gracie was healing from a recent batch of puppies and living under an abandoned house on the reservation (near Kyle, SD). Gracie had been through a lot in her early years, roaming the rez, raising several batches of puppies, abuse, and being shot. A grey 35-pound heeler/shepherd survivor.

Gracie Jo quickly found our pantry, a snack size pack of Doritos and our hearts. We didn’t want her to leave with her foster mom but understood the process. A few days later, application approved, Gracie Jo rescued us permanently.

Gracie Jo put us on a strict walking schedule as she refused to “poop” in her own yard. Tim walked her early mornings and I or we walked her in the afternoons and sometimes again late into the night. Weather didn’t stop us…. four-foot drifts down the middle of our road or hot, no breeze days, we walked. Gracie Jo made a boatload of friends on our walk. Most every neighbor on our mile treks knew and loved Gracie Jo. While they tried to give her treats, we had to say no as she struggled with sensitivity to various foods.

The last year we had to greatly shorten our walks because of the increased size of tumors limiting her breathing ability. She found her favorite trees along the walk, stopped and observed racing cars, kids, and neighborhood happenings.

Gracie Jo loved her “shredded parmesan cheese” daddy bought her weekly. Gracie also enjoyed Crunch Berries and waffles with peanut butter and syrup shared by Daddy. Her treats, boiled and cut up chicken tenderloins.

Gracie Jo, her independence, strength, stubbornness, and great love inspired me. Gracie Jo, my therapist, best friend, and loyal companion. Gracie Jo would howl with my singing and in her sleep. We had our routines and I miss them all. She’s only been gone a few days but the ache and the loss still remain strong. Gracie Jo, her presence at my feet and side missed deeply and intensely.

Gracie Jo, forever strong, a survivor, faithful friend, and my baby girl. Hope she’s chasing bunnies round the Rainbow Bridge.