Morning and night, I can now say to myself that I have my Gracie (fka Zsa Zsa). I don’t think it was a coincidence that I found Gracie–-it was meant to be. My other dog daughter Phoebe, soaring in heaven with the soul of an angel, sent her to me and is Gracie’s angel–-and mine.
I was awestruck at Gracie’s physical resemblance to Phoebe. Her heart is also like Phoebe’s in many ways–-calm, gentle, curious, kind, affectionate, polite, and full of love beyond words. I don’t know how anyone could not like Gracie. It feels like I’ve had Gracie for over a decade instead of just three months.
Among everyone, humans and other animals, Phoebe and Gracie are the most well-balanced persons I have ever met–-they teach me strength, resilience and the meaning of love.
When I brought Gracie home, she was overjoyed, as was I. There was no unease or period of adjustment, except that I could not leave her sight for more than five seconds before she followed me to another part of the house; now it’s a minute when she’s not asleep. I assure her that I’m coming back, but I think she wants to know what I’m doing.
I tell Gracie that we have a big loving family; her brothers and sisters, on the other side, were dogs on earth and protect us now. Their love and protection extend to her because we are one- always and forever a family pack – because of the timeless love we share.
I’ve heard people say that the dog they rescued, rescued them. It’s true for me – my dog children I’ve raised – strays, from shelters and rescues, and two childhood dogs, King and Princess, who I call my brother and sister, saved my life more than I saved theirs.
I do not want to imagine how long Gracie suffered physically and mentally before she came to me. What I do know is that her spirit and love of life are incredibly strong. Her resilience and grace kept her alive. She is an incredible survivor, as are so many dogs who are suffering and who want to live. They deserve a second chance to give and receive love.
Strangers we meet on our daily walks give Gracie compliments not only for her beauty but for her politeness with them and their dogs. Gracie teaches me every day to be fully immersed and connected with nature, to appreciate life in the moment – because she is nature.
I call her Gracie Star; I think she is flattered by it. It is because you shine with the grace of infinite stars. You know that you are my love, angel, savior, daughter, best friend – and perfection, just the way you are. I am honored to be your mother.
Thank you Muttville for bringing Gracie home to me.
Gina Sequeira
11/23/24
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'.
