I adopted the best dog on the planet from Muttville.
Gracie (fka Vanilla) is a 10-year-old Wheaten Terrier mix with gobsmacking good looks and impeccable manners to match. She has reminded me of all the empty places in your life a fluffy, four-legged canine can fill up — places you didn’t even realize were empty.
When this mature matron’s pet parent died she was left in limbo in several different agencies. When she arrived at Muttville, the staff there already knew what I was seeking in a new best friend, and they shared her vitals and photos with me. After we met on Zoom, I replied, “She’s mine.”
That was seven weeks ago. Gracie and I bonded almost instantly, snuggling together comfortably the same evening of the adoption. It was nothing less than a “Where have you been all my life?” moment.
She took the lead when I didn’t get things exactly right. For instance, I assumed the first order of business every morning would be to go outside to offload and then breakfast. But she expressed her opinion. That was simply backward — “breakfast first, do my business after I eat.” It was an easy adjustment.
Though she has a healthy appetite, Gracie is simply too well-mannered to steal food, even if you leave it out and leave the room.
She is also too mature to fetch balls or tug at knots in a rope. That’s puppy stuff.
Walks? Oh, that’s a yes! Sniffing is her forte, and she eagerly hugs the door when her leash comes out.
Gracie has a gracious way of using her bark. A single bark when I close the door behind me is her way of bidding me goodbye. But if someone shows up at the front door and walks in on their own she gives full throat until I respond. She is still getting to know those who have keys.
Her devotion is, well, complete. She walks silently on carpeting, but I often detect the soft button on her nose on the back of my knee as she follows me from room to room.
And she smells delicious — like vanilla. I think it’s a natural scent, but I’m a little afraid I may wash it away if I give her a big bath.
My friends notice a difference in my disposition. I show up more relaxed and content they say, and a happy grin wipes itself across my mug whenever she is mentioned.
I am grateful to the someone who did such a superb job of raising and training Gracie, and I am privileged to have this bond with her as we grow older together. She is the best dog on the planet, and Muttville worked real magic for both of us.
Sharon Stensaas
10/28/24
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
