Rescue Tails / When Ellie Met Gracie!

Our story this week may not become a blockbuster hit like “When Harry Met Sally”, but we wish it would! Sometimes a match seems to be made in heaven and two come together as though they were meant for each other. That’s what happened when Ellie came to the shelter with a broken heart after recently losing the beloved dog she had lived with for many years. It only took a few minutes of talking to her to know that she was a special woman, and with that, we knew just the  dog who could help her heal from her grief and who needed her help in return.
Gracie came to us when her owner became ill and was unable to care for her any longer. She was four-and-a-half years old. At first, she didn’t appear to be a  dog who could could easily roll with the punches life throws. She was a tiny dog with big fear, and totally overwhelmed by shelter life. Escape was often on her mind. But as the days passed, she began to trust  more and while still shy, her sweetness rose to the surface. Even so, we knew she wasn’t a dog for just anyone. It would take understanding, patience, and empathy to help this little Chihuahua find her place in the big world again.
Everything Ellie said and did convinced us she was the right person for Gracie and when we introduced them, Gracie told us we were right. Normally one to move away from strangers, Gracie immediately approached Ellie, and their future together began to take shape. When we have a dog that is fearful, we often ask that anyone adopting  pay a few visits to begin building a friendship, a bond, so that the dog isn’t walking out the door with a total stranger. Before we could even discuss this with Ellie, she asked if it would be OK if she came to visit a couple times before taking her home so that Gracie would be more comfortable with her! She even thought to bring in a blanket from home to add to Gracie’s kennel to help her transition to the smells in her new home. (While leaving the shelter for a new home is ultimately wonderful for an animal,  it also represents a very big and potentially stressful change. The easier we can make it for them, the greater chance for success.)
When Ellie came to pick up Gracie, we could tell both of them knew they were about to embark on a new life journey together. It was one of those adoptions that just felt perfect. Updates and pictures have confirmed that Gracie is home to stay! She immediately found her favorite pillow to perch on and a favorite ball to toss in the air. She is settling in faster than expected. She shocked Ellie one morning by jumping into the shower with her then delighted her by riding to and from the laundry room in a stroller.  It sounds like their days together are filled with  surprises, laughs, and plenty of love.
The staff at the Florida Keys SPCA work hard to find the right home for every animal, depending on the needs of both. Ellie and Gracie prove once again that when it’s the right fit for both, it’s a win-win for all.  In our minds, when “Ellie Met Gracie” is definitely a blockbuster hit!
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