When we inherited the six month old golden, it was from a very kind older couple.
They had purchased the puppy from a pet store, it was love at first sight. They didn't want the dog for themselves, but for their grandson. They had already checked with the parents who were as excited as they were!
They took Sandy home, the name already given to her at the store. Albert and Grace were both at home so they took special interest in Sandy and worked hard to get her potty trained and exhibitng basic obedience, to make life easier when she went to her new home and their grandson.
Christmas morning dawned, the grandparents arrived in time for dinner, and they held a beautiful golden retriever puppy with a big red bow around her neck. Everyone immediately fell in love with Sandy and even with all the distractions, she managed to mind her manners.
For a few weeks, all was fine. Then the grandson became ill, had trouble breathing, was short of breath. After numerous visits to the pediatrician, it was determined that the boy was allergic -- to Sandy. The family was heartbroken, especially the seven year old boy. But his grandparents said they would keep the puppy and he could come and visit it once in a while for a few hours. The doctor said that would probably be okay.
Having the puppy back in their home forever was a thought Albert and Grace had never considered. Long term care of a dog was not in their plans. Both were retired and hoped to do some traveling when Albert's health allowed. But Albert's health deteriorated to the point that he had to be hospitalized and Grace insisted on staying at the hospital with him.
Suddenly there was nowhere for Sandy to go -- which is how she ended up greeting me on that cold Friday evening in January.
The good news is that Albert recovered and he and Grace moved to a warmer climate where they continue to do well. Sandy stayed with us. Before leaving the area, they visited with us (and especially Sandy). I explained to them that I wasn't really fond of her name, Sandy, so I decided to change it. Grace said (and I remember!) "She's your dog now. You name her whatever you want." I explained that Sandy had been renamed Gracie. Grace began to cry, saying "Not even any of my grandchildren are named after me." I never expected her to be so touched, and the name Gracie fit the puppy perfectly.
They were on their way and Gracie settled into our home with our two other dogs, which I'll be writing about! Albert, Grace, and I keep in touch at Christmas. Gracie has now celebrated her 12th birthday and she's gray around her edges but that's okay, so am I.
Gracie, 1997, Napping with Dad
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