Rest in peace, Gracie: 2000-2010
October22
Gracie
Gracie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose rescue from a puppy mill was chronicled in the book Saving Gracie (Wiley; 2010), died yesterday after suffering complications from an inoperable tumor in her throat.
The black and white dog was 10 years old and practically blind, but had spent the last four years of her life in a loving home with her devoted companion, Linda Jackson, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Before her rescue, Gracie spent six years confined to a cage giving birth to puppies at a kennel in Oxford, Pennsylvania. She was removed along with 336 other dogs during a raid on the kennel in 2006. The breeder, Michael Wolf, was convicted of animal cruelty, fined and and forced to give up his dogs. After spending five months in a shelter in Reading, Pennsylvania, Gracie was adopted out to Jackson, a single mother of three who bonded instantly with the frightened and ailing dog. Over time Gracie regained her health, except for her eyesight, and learned to accept the human kindness she had earlier been denied.
Gracie’s story touched the lives of thousands of readers, many of whom were unaware of the atrocities of large-volume commercial dog-breeding. ”Puppy mills need to be regulated. Puppy mills need to be overseen. But more than that, puppy mills need to be closed down and done away with,” one reader, Jeannie Rogers, wrote.
Gracie was euthanized at the family home. She is survived by her adopter, Linda; Linda’s children Ryan, Erika and Julia; and two other former breeding Cavaliers, Jackie and Molly.
RIP, Gracie – what a good dog and an amazing life. Your story, as told by Carol, has made a difference in the world.
Gracie will be waiting at Rainbow Bridge….
Run, Gracie, Run
God Bless Gracie….
My condolences to all of the people whose lives were touched by this sweet little dog.
My thoughts and prayers are with Linda, her adopter. I can’t imagine how sad she must be right now. Gracie, your story has helped other dogs who suffered as you did. Play and be happy, little girl!
I am so sorry for your loss Linda. Rest assured that you and Gracie inspired many to become involved in the puppy mill issue. Gracie has postively impacted the lives of many other dogs.
Rest in peace sweet girl!
I am so very sorry for her loss. such a brave girl. She will be welcomed by my Fergie, my first rescue.
Rest in peace sweet one.
Linda, I am so sad to hear that Gracie is gone. I know the hurt and emptiness in your heart is beyond description. May you find some comfort in the fact that you rescued her from a nightmare. And wrapped your heart around her. She responded by wrapping her heart around yours. What a blessing and a gift. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
This is very heartbreaking news. However, I am very thankful that Gracie did not have to live and suffer the remaining years of her life in the hands of Michael Wolf. I am also thankful that Linda welcomed Gracie into her home.
Linda, I was the officer that handled the Wolf case and want you to know that because of you and your family, Gracie was able to know what is was like to have a true “family” that loved her dearly. She will never be forgotten and will always be missed. Your family will be in my prayers.
Thank you for all of your support. Gracie went peacefully & is finally free from her suffering. My mom is still very distraught over the loss, but we remember what great memories we shared with our little doggie.
I am so stunned and saddened by this. After I read the book about Gracie written by Carol Bradley, I wrote a letter to the editor about Gracie’s story, (published a couple of months ago.) She touched my heart!!! I am so grateful for her wonderful adoptive family who loved and cared for her!!!!!! (((((( Linda and Gracie))))))
So sad, but knowing that Gracie had the best care at the end of her life makes me feel better. Thanks to all the dedicated people who saved her and thank you, Carol, for informing and educating the world on the horrible lives these animals endure. Maybe someday it will come to an end.
Gracie was one of the lucky ones. I appreciate the work that Carol and others are doing on behalf of dogs still trapped in puppy mills. Thank you, Linda, for helping this darling dog enjoy life.
R.I.P Gracie, you just remind me of my brothers king charles Josie who is 3 years old.
Gracie knew nothing but love in last years. What a blessing she gave your family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Thank you all for your condolences and words of support. I know many feel the pain of my loss. My Gracie gave me more love and companionship than I ever thought possible. When I sit in our chair or climb into bed at night, I long for her small head resting on my shoulder and warm little fury body cuddled up next to me.
Jackie and Molly are trying to fill the void and I love them both very much, but no dog will ever love me as much as Gracie.
Ending her life was the hardest decision I have ever made, but I take comfort in knowing her suffering is over.
Thank you Carol for telling our story and writing this beautiful and touching memorial.
Linda, I am so truly sorry for your loss. I also have 5 puppymill Cavaliers and read your story, and know the love and devotion you gave to Gracie. She was lucky to have you as her mommy, and I know she gave you all her love and gratitude in return.
Linda: I don’t know you, but I do. My family knows the joy and love a puppy mill Cavalier can bring. Our Tessa has given back so much more than we have given her, and I am thankful every day that she is with us and no longer in that puppy mill. Smile through your tears as you remember your companion. Your Gracie will be waiting for you.
Yesterday I saw a mill rescue a year after he had been with our organization. A completely new dog…so many of us in rescue were further inspired by your story. Bless you forever Gracie and all those who helped make you free. And now you have your wings and those of us left behind will never forget you.
To your family…thank you for loving her…and teaching us about love as well…
Linda, I am so very sorry to hear of Gracie’s illness and passing. She had wonderful family who took good care of her, loved her, and gave her something that she had not known before. God bless you for taking her, and God bless Gracie for all she experienced.
I too have a tri-color cavalier named Grace. She is almost 12 and came from a Missouri mill at age 5 and a half. Her life is dramatically different than it was before, her only job is to enjoys life now, and I think she gives more back than any dog I’ve ever had. Both of our Graces have the same smile.
Your Gracie’s spirit will live on through the dogs who don’t have to be born into a mill situation. We will not soon forget. Please take care.
Fly free little Gracie to a land of love and care.
RIP Gracie! Gracie called attention to the horrible conditions a dog can be forced to live in. Bless you Gracie. If you opened the eyes on one person, you did a good job. Rest wll little princess, you deserve it!
RIP Gracie…..you will be missed by many, and your story brought awareness to the world……go in peace little one….
I, too, have a little tri-colored female named Gracie. I saw her and her brother online at a pound and drove almost 600 miles to get them. They were horribly underweight and so scrawny but they had me at the first kiss. A few days later, I found that they had a massive hookworm infection, fleas and tapeworms. My poor little dears! I think we have overcome the worst and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my new family. I will never understand how anyone can abuse any animals. We must keep saving them, one dog at a time if that is all we can do.
Rest in peace, Gracie. Your work on earth is done.