Hi Diane, I know Christa from the Rocket Angel Italian Greyhound Rescue had e-mailed you our story but thought I'd formally introduce myself.
My name is Nancy and I adopted MY Gracie 14 months ago from the Rocket Angel Italian Greyhound Rescue in Cape Coral, FL. Gracie had been brought to the rescue after being bailed out of a pound after spending a couple of months there.
We had another male IG at home that belonged to my 19 year old daughter, Melissa. I loved Polo but knew he was Melissa's dog. My daughter, Stephanie, was serving in Iraq at the time and I was missing her terribly. I was thinking of maybe adopting a dog of my own. I was browsing Pet Finder and saw this pic of a skinny little IG. On her profile, Christa had indicated that this little one didn't like children, didn't like other dogs and didn't like cats. Somehow, I still wanted to meet her.
We called Christa to arrange a meeting. As soon as I met Gracie (her name was Pogo at the time) I knew she was my dog. Could you imagine if we had kept her name? We would have had a Polo and a Pogo in the same house. My daughter, Melissa, was with me. She kept directing me to other dogs to adopt. I don't know what drew me to Gracie, I still can't explain it. Christa discussed Gracie's "issues" and was hesitant, but allowed me to adopt her.
We bonded instantly and I was determined to help her to learn to trust again. Gracie had my unconditional love and me hers. I promised her that whatever she was faced with, I would help her through. She began to trust my husband, Karl and my daughter, Melissa. Melissa admitted to me that she couldn't see what I saw in Gracie the day I adopted her, but what a wonderful dog she is. Gracie and Polo became wonderful friends. She knew she had a special place in my heart and offerred support when I was feeling down or having Fibromyalgia pain. Gracie was coming through and learning to trust again.>
I slowly introduced her to other people, children and animals, always keeping my promise to keep her safe. Stephanie returned home safely from Iraq in December (Christmas morning to be exact). Gracie welcomed Steph with her open heart as if she knew how badly Steph needed her support. I knew of and once again saw how therapeutic Gracie could be.
When the anniversary of Gracie's adoption came around I reflected on how far this little "pound puppy" had come. I knew of the joy that Gracie has brought to my life and wanted to share it with others. I knew she would be a wonderful Therapy Dog. I studied the Delta Society book and we met with a trainer once prior to our test. We took our Delta test and passed it on the first try. It was a wonderful accomplishment for both of us. We now are part of a "Pups and Books" program at the library to encourage literacy. We just finished orientation to volunteer at the hospital. It's amazing to see the smiles that Gracie gets while volunteering. I also work full-time as a Pediatric Nurse, so I'm quite busy these days.
I truly feel like Gracie had a calling for this type of work and I'm just here to help her!
I have read about you and your Gracie, what an inspiring story! She surely is a wonderful girl!
Nancy
