On June 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with end-stage arthritis, my beloved Gracie became a new star in the night sky and a heavenly angel watching over those she loved. She was 12 years, 10 months and six days old. She made her last day – my most terrible day – beautiful and memorable. She left this Earth as she had lived upon it – gently, lovingly and with grace. The best dog ever.

Gracie had amazing eyes, the windows to her pure soul, quite unlike any other dog I have ever known. She was very intelligent and she also had an unusual breadth and depth of emotions. Gracie was my soul dog. We completely understood each other. She didn’t communicate with me through barks or whines. It was a gentle nudge, a sideways glance, a certain look… I understood.

At first, Gracie’s world was small: just the front garden; then the street; then the woods; and then the car rides to the parks. She loved walking on the trails and wading in the creeks. She always stopped to smell the flowers. She explored the world and she took great joy in finding tennis balls, soccer balls and basketballs… and bringing them all home with her. She liked sticks, too… big ones and little ones. She found grass very tasty. She loved her snacks and her dinners. More than anything though, Gracie very much loved being with me, as I loved being with her.

Gracie loved people (more than dogs). She liked to greet them with a waggy tail and a wiggly butt. She was very gentle with small dogs and rowdy children. Someone once called her a “rough girl”, but she was mostly calm and graceful. She was always kind and loving. She was independent and determined, and brave and strong. She was always happy and liked to smile.

When her world shrunk back to just that front garden that she once explored as a puppy, she still took great pleasure in all the scents carried by the wind, the beautiful melodies sung by songbirds, and the warm sun and blue sky of her last summer. When her pain and suffering became too much for her to bear, it was time for her to leave the world that she loved so much, to finally be at peace and rest on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Gracie took a huge part of my heart with her that fateful day, but she also left behind countless joyful memories of her life with me that I will always cherish and hold dear. My sweet Gracie – my best girl – will never be forgotten and will always be greatly loved – my best friend forever. Until we meet again, Gracie Grace.

With love,
Wayne A, June 2026