In the blink of an eye, she is gone

Those loyal eyes that we will miss so much.

Gracie Lou Patrick
March 12, 2007 - April 15, 2008


"The life of a good dog is like the life of a good person, only shorter and more compressed." Anna Quindlen
Gracie came into our lives six months into our marriage. What a blessing she was from day one. The Lord knew we needed a girl that was energetic, yet able to calm down when told. He knew I needed someone to cuddle with, lay on and cry on when we moved 300 miles out of my comfort zone. Gracie was my running partner, my snuggle pillow, my listening ear, open heart and open eyes at all times friend. I never realized how a dog could really be someones best friend until we got Gracie. She was CR and I's child. She was all we wanted and needed for awhile. She was such a good dog. She was CR's bird hunting partner. She helped soil and prepare the garden, as well as the flower beds. Gracie was Kyleigh's chaser, and Buddy's annoyer. Gracie always had to be in on the action. Gracie taught me patience and understanding for what one needs that can not take care of themselves. She taught me to slow down and look at the sky, butterflies, trees, grasshoppers, and especially the birds ... she loved to look at the birds. I began to see the wonderful world God has given us from new eyes when taking runs and adventures with Gracie. She taught me more and did more for me than she will ever get to know. Sometimes a young dog teaches you old tricks. The past week she was beginning to get jealous of Hope because of the attention she was getting from me. I took her aside on Thursday and explained everything to her. I truly believe that she understood what I said, because after our talk she seemed to wait a little more patiently on the other side of the gate.
Although we are not 100% sure of what happened, from some marks on her skin and the actions of the morning, we believe that she got mixed up in the pens with some cows and got kicked. Kicked pretty hard in the lungs, which then caused internal bleeding. CR found her in time to get to be with her as she passed, so my comfort is in knowing she was not alone and understood that CR was doing his best to get her help. She passed away around 11:40 this morning. She will be missed. She will never be able to be replaced. I am sure we will move on and get another dog, possibly from her bloodline, but she will never be replaced. She has a tree in our back yard now. Gracie Lou will forever be in our hearts. For now I hear the echos of her nails walking on the wood floor to come in and give me my nighttime hugs. Her snuggling will be missed. Her whimpering in her dreams will be longed for.


Always curious ... she got in and out of this car seat about six times before she decided it was not for her.

It was her nap time and it was my snap time!

Trying to get something from Kyleigh.

Take 3 of Christmas card :)

Take 6!

Visiting Grammy, Paw and Karsy in Montgomery.

Final Christmas card!

"I just want to sit in your lap like we do at home, mom."

"Merry Christmas, mom!"