Gracie

Hugs to my sister in Kentucky on this day as we say goodbye to an old friend--a 14 1/2-year-old Australian shepherd mix named Gracie.  She came to us as a six-week-old fluffy white puppy from the animal shelter. Shelby was 15 and I was 12. Gracie was an independent, tough farm dog with a goofy side that often surfaced, much to our amusement.  She did things her way and marched to the beat of her own drum. Gracie was with Shelby through the teenage years, moving away to college, first house, first job, and countless other memories and experiences. For those of us who love dogs, they become friends with four legs. I'm thankful God made dogs, for even though it hurts when we lose them, the companionship, joy, and life lessons they provide are priceless.