Gracie came to my family as a puppy in 2008. She was the last in her litter to be adopted and was extremely frightened the day we picked her up. I held her in my arms the entire three hour drive home and because of that she bonded to me specifically. I left for college in 2011 and left Gracie behind with my parents. A few years later, she briefly lived with my aunt before finding her way back to me in 2016. She was already eight at the time and I knew I wouldn't have many more years with her, so she became my constant companion--which honestly she demanded (haha).

Gracie was smart (too smart), feisty and assertive, and the most loyal and loving companion I've ever had. Being a true terrier (I called her a Toy Fox "Terrorist"), there were many moments of intense irritation as Gracie liked to get her way--but I never loved her less for that. I've had other pets in my life, but the bond Gracie and I shared was intense in a way I've never experienced. I held her in my arms as she passed, just like I held her the day she came into my life. And I'm so grateful for that.

The kindness and compassion of Gracie's medical team at Queen Anne Animal Clinic and Green Lake Animal Hospital made all the difference on the most difficult day of my life so far. They've made this donation in Gracie's honor and my hope is that it contributes to shaping more compassionate vets and vet techs like the ones I've encountered at these sister clinics.