Get To Know Our Bark Squad Pups!
Meet Gracie!
Our next Bark Squad member is Gracie!
Gracie is a spunky Lab Mix that comes to us regularly for daycare! She does great with the other dogs and loves to cuddle with the staff. Gracie has a very playful and confident personality, her favorite things to do are cause mischief with her buddies and relax on the couch. We’re so happy to add Gracie to our Bark Squad! She’s a perfect addition!
Thank you, Gracie’s mom, for choosing us to watch over her!
Q: Tell us Gracie’s story! Where was she born and what made you fall in love with her?
A: Gracie was adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. I do not know much about her background, only what the Humane Society told me from when she was “transferred in”. She was born February 13, 2019, the day before Valentine’s Day and she is such a sweetheart!
Gracie was featured on the FOX 13 News segment called “Pet of the Week”. I just happened to be watching the news that morning, Sunday May 5, 2019. She was adorable and so tiny. They said her name was “Grace” and she was only 2 months old, but available for adoption. I instantly fell in love with her, the moment I seen her on the television. I knew that sweet face would go fast!
I left the house immediately and drove to Tampa. I arrived at the Humane Society 2 hours before they were open and waited patiently. I was lucky to get there so early because the closer it got to 10:00am, the line got longer and longer at the door. Eventually, a staff member came out and asked everyone what pet they were here for, since I was first in line, I was asked first. I gave them my name, Genafer, and gave the puppy’s name, Grace. The mood of the crowd changed instantly – from nice to not so nice. I could feel the people staring me down angrily. As the employee moved down the line to get all the names, they all said they were here to see Grace! Uh oh!
I told myself that if Grace’s demeanor was stand-offish or scared at the meet and greet, she would probably be best suited in a quieter home, since I have three children, but as soon as the employee placed Grace on the ground, she ran happily towards me, wagging her tail in excitement and giving those wonderful puppy-breath kisses! My heart melted and I knew from that moment we were meant to be. (And how cool is it that both our names start with “G”!)
On the FOX13 News “Pet of the Week” follow up segment,they showed a picture of me and Gracie!
Q: How did you come up with her name?
A: I am from the deep south and I knew that my puppy needed a Southern Belle kind of name. So I changed her name from “Grace” to “Gracie May”. To me it sounded more southern and proper. (And for a puppy learning her name, a two-syllable sound would be easier for her… “Gra-cie”)
Q: What breed is Gracie? What is your favorite thing about the breed?
A: Gracie is a Labrador Retriever mix, I am not sure what she’s mixed with, but seems to be a very well tempered and happy spirit! I knew some history of Labs, from my own experience growing up, we had a Black Lab and I did some research online. I knew she would fit into our family of five! She is just like my kids – sometimes happy, wants to be talkative and around everyone, and sometimes just wants to enjoy her quiet time with her mom!
Q: What is Gracie’s favorite thing to do?
A: Gracie loves to play and chew up everything in the house, especially her toys. She also enjoys evening walks and chatting with the neighbors (barking, of course). But she is also a great snuggle buddy and loves to snuggle up and enjoy a lazy Sunday morning… even if it’s only for a minute or two!
Q: Is there a silly or funny story about Gracie that you would like to share?
A: Gracie always seems to have an endless supply of energy. Sometimes, it’s like she gets an energy burst and runs back and forth on the sofa so fast that she looks like the cars in NASCAR, hugging the track as the car rounds the turns! It is hilarious to watch, but just don’t sit on the sofa during the “Gracie NASCAR”!