Lovely Gracie, an affectionate, seven-year-old Pomeranian mix, came into the BC SPCA’s care under heartbreaking circumstances. She had been involved in a traumatic dog fight that left her with a devastating eye injury – so severe that surgery was the only option.
Gracie spent several weeks recovering at the home of her BC SPCA foster, enjoying countless hours curled up on their lap. And that did not change when Gracie finally found her forever home.
Peggy, Gracie’s new mom, had been searching for a new companion since January of this year. “I have had dogs most of my life. The last three were rescues,” says Peggy. “I was looking for a smaller more mature dog who was house-trained and when I saw Gracie I knew she was the perfect dog for me – I immediately contacted the Victoria animal centre.”
Gracie’s first day with her new mom was a learning experience. Peggy recalls how it took time to understand Gracie’s hesitation with new people. “She is a little reticent,” says Peggy. “She doesn’t approach people and say hello. It takes a little time for her to trust you, she has to know you are not a threat, which is understandable given all she has been through.”
Peggy adds Gracie is a lovely, goofy dog once she is comfortable with you. “Her cuddles are legendary,” she says. “When I go out to do a few errands, she immediately grabs her toys and brings them to me when I return.”
Gracie is getting to know her neighbourhood and the nearly three-acre property she calls home. “Her favourite thing to do is run across the little bridge over the creek. She really loves exploring.”
Peggy adds that she and Gracie go out for walks twice a day and she is starting to take more interest in the world around her, stopping to sniff along the way. “There is another dog that goes for walks at the same time, and they thoroughly enjoyed meeting each other,” she says. “I look forward to bumping into them again on our walks.”
She says they live in a neighbourhood that loves dogs, and everybody is excited to meet Gracie. “She has been welcomed with open arms. One of the neighbours was saying when she sees Gracie it looks like she is winking.”
Gracie has made herself right at home, sleeping on Peggy’s bed at night. “She certainly doesn’t have any issues with her appetite,” laughs Peggy. “She gets fed twice a day and cleans her bowl every time.”
But more than anything, Gracie has filled Peggy’s life with happiness. “Having Gracie in my life has made me so happy,” she says. “I am now out walking with her twice a day, no excuses, and meeting up with the other dogs and neighbours. Life is just fuller when you have a dog, especially a sweet dog like Gracie.”
Severe eye injury from dog fight requires surgery for sweet Pomeranian mix named Gracie
A seven-year-old Pomeranian mix, named Gracie by BC SPCA staff, was involved in a dog fight, and subsequently brought to a veterinary clinic in Victoria with a devastating eye injury. Sadly, her injured eye had been dislodged from its socket and could not be saved, she required immediate surgery to remove it.
“The clinic contacted us hoping we could provide this sweet dog with the care she desperately needed,” says Emma Hamill, manager of the BC SPCA Victoria animal centre. “We didn’t hesitate to step in and agreed to cover the costs of the surgery and any further treatments she might require.”
Gracie underwent surgery and received essential post-operative care including pain relief and antibiotics. She will also need spay surgery and oral surgery.
“Gracie is a loving, affectionate little dog and is becoming more confident every day,” says Hamill. “She is currently recovering from surgery at a BC SPCA foster home and loves to sit on her foster’s lap. Gracie has a real interest in exploring the world around her and loves going for walks – she is building up her fitness.”
Hamill adds that Gracie is a bit of a picky eater but has impeccable manners and is polite to everyone she meets.
Gracie will be featured on the BC SPCA’s website when she becomes available for adoption.
When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance* learned about Gracie’s story, the company generously offered to match all medical donations up to $3,000 to help with her care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
*Supported by a grant from Definity Financial Corporation, Petline Insurance Company.