Poor, Poor Gracie

Our beloved family dog could not be fully captured by a mere description. Pictures help, but to really learn about Gracie, you simply have to know her. That said, this story may not be very funny to anyone other than me, but here it is anyhow. (Warning: The following subject matter may not be suitable for the tender-hearted.)

Grace-dog is a big oaf of a dog. She believes she requires more time and attention than our toddler. She barks loud enough to wake the neighborhood when she believes there is an intruder (which happens, oh, every few hours). She has a confused look about her most of the time. She is precious and more than patient with Olivia and any other children she has been around. She relentlessly sneaks up on the couch, no matter what consequences come her way. She likes to chase small animals and tries to bring them inside once they stop playing back with her. Most importantly for this story, she is petrified. Period. It doesn't have to be anything major - boxes are the worst of her enemies, but water, bath time, garage doors, any obstacles in the room, laundry baskets, moving cars, growly voices, and many other things are also quite scary. Oh, the rug in the living room is pretty bad, too. Mostly because it slides around a bit when she darts across the room.

I took Gracie for a spin after Olivia's bedtime the other night and left the back window down a little more than halfway because she loves hanging her head out. We were going 20mph and slower the entire time, and we were not driving near any traffic. Gracie was having a blast. So much fun that she wanted to ride with her front paws on the outside of the window. I slowed down and called her to come inside. She did not. She is very stubborn, too. I rolled my window down to further plead with her to get down. She did. I turned around to praise her for being a good girl. Gracie was not in the back seat. I stopped the car as fast as I could and got out. My poor, crazy dog was prancing in a big circle with a look on her face that was even more confused than usual. She thought she was in trouble when she saw me, so I had to convince her to come back with me to the car. Gracie had some scrapes around her nose and on her legs, but only one was bad enough to bleed a little. She was very shaken up about it all, but it did lead to much tlc and a midnight snack burger for her, so all in all, I don't think she minded much. Needless to say, she does not get to hang her head out the window anymore, but she does still enjoy a fun ride. I have since been accused of being a bad "dog mom," but I have changed my wicked ways.

Gracie looking confused

Gracie looking confused

Gracie afraid of a box