I've sent a couple of updates to the staff at TAS, but I'd love to see a happier photo of Mabel (now Gracie) on your blog. Your blog is responsible for this wonderful new addition to our family!
A friend posted your entry on Basquiat to Facebook, which drew me down to TAS in person, but I found he'd already been adopted. I toured the other cages and found Mabel off by herself, pacing endlessly in her enclosure. She didn't throw herself at every newcomer like many of the other dogs; it was obvious I would have to work for her trust, and I sat with her for some time. I returned the next day with my partner and our two other shelter dogs - a 13 year old lab mix and a 10 year old spaniel mix. The staff at TAS (Korey) helped us set up a meet and greet outside which went incredibly well, and we knew that we had found the newest member of our family.
We were off work for a week with her at our house, and Gracie's favourite place to be is still outside in our large back yard. For two days, the time she was outside was spent underneath the bushes. Each day thereafter she made measurable progress, becoming more comfortable with her surroundings, with us, and with our other dogs. She loves to be outside, loves to run full-tilt across the yard, and though she is still quite timid and easily scared, she is absolutely a new dog. We're working one-on-one with a reputable trainer, and have even been taking Gracie on some leashed walks. Our vet and trainer think she is about 5 years old.
She is an amazing creature, extremely loving after all she has been through, and we can't wait to see the dog that she becomes in time.
I love this photo. It captures a perfect moment:
what a wonderful update! It is heart warming to see Gracie enjoying life on the "outside"! Running so happily in the garden. After the horror of 5 years in a puppy mill cage it's easy to see why she enjoys running and being outside with someone who cares about her. With such wonderful owners and two gorgeous dogs to show her how good life can be when rescued by compassionate people it must feel sooooooooo good to her. Thank you all who made it happen!
ReplyDeleteThat's our girl....thanks so much for this blog and for all you do. We wouldn't have Grace without this!
ReplyDeleteYay!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing as great than a happy, contented and loved dog! I am very happy for Gracie and her new life!!! Bravo!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this post. Allyson: that made my day!
ReplyDeleteI think we all, at some point, look at our dogs and wonder what they would be like in the shelter. I know my dog Wolf would probably be much like Gracie, because here is a dog who needs love and exercise, and has such a love of the outdoors and hiking. So it is so gladdening to read about a dog rescued in every sense of the word. Thank you! (love the action photo, but also the quieter one of the three dogs hanging out.)