Your Blog made me cry and think about my own little girl, Sophie, who passed away last year (June 13th) she was 18. Although she wasn't the sweetest girl to strangers, she always gave me unconditional love and got me through some very rough times. She was also there when my husband and I got engaged and I knew she completely approved of him and loved him. I think about her everyday and will miss her my whole life.

Congrats on the relaunch, and good idea renaming it from its previous dog-centric title (not that there's anything wrong with dogcentricity, but apparently there are some people who allow cats into their homes...).

Now you'll probably start hearing from the "Love 'em and Leash 'em" crowd, who think that your blog title encourages irresponsible behavior!

:-)

An excellent debut, and a fitting homage to Gracie and all unforgettable dogs. Looking forward to more stories!

Welcome to blogging, Mary! I'm looking forward to reading more about dogs (and cats and parakeets) as beloved as Gracie.

More, please. What a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. The Maryland SPCA could use more owners like you.

Thanks for launching the blog. I, too, have had dogs, cats, fish, etc., over the years. I can't imagine not having a pet. I'm looking forward to reading about others who love their pets as much as we do.

What a lovely story about Gracie. I'll be checking in to this blog often!

This is a wonderful and moving opening post. It demonstrates the fallacy of the claim that there is no great writing on the Web. You made me care about Gracie and her impact on you in just a few words. Congratulations. I will be back and back and back to read more...

A very nice story indeed. I'm going to send a link to this blog to my sister, she has a pet dog she absolutely adores and he adores her in return. She'll love this blog!

I don't have a pet (yet)...

very "graceful" first post, Mary. Boy, are you going to be good at this!

A wonderful start, Mary. Not many blog postings can bring both a tear to my eye and a smile to my face, but this one did. I think it's a wonderful thing to do in Gracie's memory, and I hope you have fun with it.

In our house, the three-year old Silky (I am NOT a Yorkie!) Terrier generally rules the roost, but our beautiful tux cat is the best feline ever -- she never met a lap she didn't like. I wouldn't say the two fight like cats and dogs, but they definitely have different ideas about what's fun!

Anyway, glad to see "Unleashed." I look forward to reading.

What a wonderful story. Rescues are truly the best pets, and yes, sometimes you are truly graced with a dog or cat that is truly an angel. I am glad you had 16 years with yours. Your tribute to her is moving, powerful, and makes me wish I had a chance to meet her.

Mary, your memories of Gracie are truly heartwarming. Pets are such a wonderful part of our lives. First they need us; then we need them.

Thank you for sharing Gracie with us.

Mary, what a touching and thoughtful piece...

My question, which maybe you can explore sometime, is when did we get away from just having dogs, cats, birds and fish as pets? I go in the pet stores today and there are snakes and lizards and rodents and animals that I’m not even sure what they are, in there. Sometimes I suspect that some of the animals I’m looking at aren’t pets at all; I suspect they are food for pets.

I think you only need dogs, cats, birds and fish for pets. And truth be told, the birds and fish are just to entertain the cat.

Mary, I wish you all the best with this blog, and will be checking in often. I am also a pet lover who lost my boy (Foster, an Australian Sheppard) a few years ago. The joy, comfort, laughter, and unfortunately, eventually, tears that they bring us are irreplaceable. I also have a cat who is older and dealing with medical issues, so every day with her is a blessing. Keep up the good work!

Mary,
That was a very warm and moving account of your relationship with your dog, Gracie.
I, too, am a dog person. Cats are fine too, but they treat me like kids do. Either they like me a lot, or they don't want to have anything to do with me. Dogs just seem a lot more easy going to me.
Our first dog was a stray that one of my mom's coworkers picked up in the middle of Loch Raven Blvd. We never knew how old she was, but she always acted like a puppy. She was full of personality. Looked a lot like Gracie. She escaped from our yard one night after we first got her home. My dad went looking for her. When he finally got home, he had a name for her. "Tramp" He claimed she earned the title.
She was a fun and energetic dog who loved spaghetti, chicken and sandwiches. She used to jump so high when she got excited, we sometimes called her Zinger.
Tramper lived a long life, almost 17 years. She just kind of gradually slipped away of old age. I truly believe she loved all of us as much as we loved her.

What a wonderful story. I've lived with lots of pets in my life so far, but I'm just now embarking on my first solo-pet-ownership.

My roommate and I found five kittens abandoned in our laundry room last May. We found homes for three, and each of us kept one. After worrying about vet bills and tests and just getting them to STOP TEARING UP THE HOUSE, Persephone and her brother are healthy, happy kittehs who bring a lot of happiness (and fur) to our lives. My little grey tux and I are looking forward to reading, and wish you all the best with this venture.

It was very hard for me to hold back the tears reading your post about your beloved Gracie. She sounds like a sweetie pie and definitely a special dog. It is amazing how much our dogs (or any pets) truly impact our lives. Unconditional love is something that is given non stop by our four legged friends and they are unforgettable faithful friends. And now I can't wait to get home and give my dog a big hug!

Mary, we also lost a beloved pet who had been a member of the family for 20 years. We now have two rescue kittens, a brother and a sister, who have wrapped us around their perfect little tabby paws.

There are so many dogs and cats out there who need a good home. I hope you will blog about some of the foster parents out there who do us all a tremendous service by helping the animals in need of shelter and a good home.

I don't have "pets". I, like many others, have "family members" - mine just happen to have 4 legs, but others may have wings, or fins. In any case, we are all very blessed by the short time that we have with them. After my mother died, who I had cared for in my home for some years, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and died shortly thereafter. Although I cannot say enough about the support of friends and family, if it had not been for my "4-legged family" - who are always there - I believe I would have lost my mind. I have 4 dogs and 2 cats. The 4 dogs and one cat are from the Humane Society and one cat was "dropped" at my house and I adopted her. I cannot emphasize enough the need to adopt a "shelter" animal. With the economy problems, more and more are being turned into shelters because people can no longer afford to take care of them. Even worse, they are just beind "dropped" off on some lonely road. I have been heart broken by the losses I have endured of other 4-legged family members, but don't believe I could live without them being around.

Such beautiful and moving words. What a lovely tribute to your furbaby, Gracie. I lost my baby girl, KC Von Roo, a Cairn Terrier, a little over a year ago. I was lucky enough to have 14 wonderful years with her. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of my KC. I will love her and miss her always.

Oh, Mary, I look forward to following your blog. I'm incredibly touched by your story of Gracie... It was eloquently written, heartwarming and very dear. And the pictures of Gracie are a treat... What a treasure she was and will always be...

Unleashed indeed! A debut that pays tribute to a dog and, in turn, invites all of us to recall the endearing nature of friendship, whether of the four-legged or two-legged variety.

AL

I don't have any pets ... probably never will. My parents told me the apartment building I grew up in "did not allow them." I never questioned if that was true -- funny that I grew up to become a journalist -- but maybe it suppressed any future pet desire in me, too. But you powerfully explained your feelings for your beloved "Gracie" to a non-pet owner, just as you did to those who experience day-to-day the unconditional love you described. Good luck on your new blog.

I love your story, it made me laugh and cry remembering my own beloved best friend. You mentioned your groomer said you are lucky to have one dog like that in a lifetime. Let me tell you I have had two. My 2nd dog is a true gem like my 1st, she too is a "pound puppy". Don't give up in your personal battle and when you can get another dog your new best friend will be there waiting for you.

How lucky you were to be 'graced' by Gracie. If we could all live as selflessly and give love as unconditionally as Gracie did....what a world this would be! Thank you for sharing your blog with fellow dog lovers and those who need one.

Best wishes on your new blog.

Oh, Mary what a lovely tribute to Gracie.You know, I believe, we don't find animals - they find us! She waited those many years ago, at the Pound, for just the right person - YOU!
How lucky for you both. I know somewhere out there is another "Gracie" waiting patiently .... When the time is right you'll find each other.

Great story, Mary. I can appreciagte how terrific Gracie was.

We have two American shorthair cats, both of which were strays. I first met Shadow in the wee small hours of one July morning, perched on my window air conditioner, having a bath. I opened the door to shoo him away and he snugged his head into my hand. Needless to say, I melted. Later that day, when my husband got up and went out back to read the paper, there was the cat, taking a quiet nap among our potted plants. We decided then and there that he'd found a home. He lives up to his name--wherever I am, he is.

We first saw our little princess in October, literally being thrown out of a house. We were horrified and put food and water in our garage because it was getting cold, and we didn'[t know if she did or didn't have a house, but at least our garage was shelter. She was still there a few days later, so we decided to adopt her, too. She's a pale orange color, so I named her Marmalade. Considering her character, though, I probably should've called her Marilyn--she's SUCH a blonde starlet.

We wouldn't give up either of them for money, partly because they're such wonderful company, but even more because they're GREAT mousers. Hoo-ray!

Mary,

How lucky you two were to find one another. Our four legged friends are truly gifts from above. Gracie is proof of that.

Going through the hardest times of my life, I could always count on one of my many pets to be there when I needed them most. Most of my animals have been called "rescues." I think "rescuer" would be more appropriate as they have saved me many, many times.

When my father was going through his long goodbye as a result of Alzheimer's, he was able to hold onto his memories of his beloved dog, Tyler, long after his ability to remember the names of friends and family. Tyler was his companion during his journey into darkness...demanding nothing more from my father than his presence.

I am blessed to have 4 dogs and a cat. They are the blood pumping through the heart of our home. Even as I write this, I look at my feet and I am surrounded by three labs and our newest addition, a 20# beagle that thinks she rules the roost.

Mary, keep the stories of Gracie coming. They are beautiful and undoubtedly will bring a bright-spot to many during these somewhat "troubled" times.

I loved reading about Gracie! You were both so lucky to have each other! What a great idea for a blog! I am a pet lover myself and can relate to everything you felt when you lost her as she was such a large part of your life for so many years! I was going through some old pictures and came across some of my old girl dogs with their Easter bonnets! They were my kids before I was blessed enough to have a human one! I wish you the best of everything in this life!
Debbie 1 son, 2 dogs, 2 cats.... What ever else may show up.....

Thank God for you! You gave Gracie the live she deserved. This is a great blog and I wish you much success with it.

Kudos Mary! Your story brought tears as I remember the passing of our dog Max a few years ago. I think he thought he was king of Wyman Park! So sorry to hear about Gracie but I hope you soon find comfort. Your blog is a great way to start on the way to feeling better.

How touching. I am so sorry about your loss. My big dopey black lab rescue, Petey, sat with his head in my lap when I was in labor with my son. Now that the baby is here, poor guy really gets the shaft in the attention department, but he is still as loyal and loving as ever. He comes up to the nursery for every diaper change! Dogs really do give unconditional love.

This was such a wonderful post. I am looking forward to reading your blog each day. Pets truly are the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

When I adopted my Beagle, Brogan, from Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, I had no idea what joy he would bring not only to mine and my husband's life, but also to our other Beagle, Scout's, life.

He truly has been a blessing and I think blogs/articles devoted to pets and animals is something that should be in print, too!

Mary, gosh, when I read your bio and saw that you only had a cat, my immediate thought was, "but I could have sworn she had a dog..."

I'm so sorry to hear about Gracie. I know how much joy she brought to you. Please feel free to borrow my goof, Buster, anytime. He can't twirl, but he's realy great at making people laugh.