Gracie here … and wow, do I have a story to tell.

I started my journey at Gigi’s. Everyone there said I was playful, spunky, and loved absolutely everyone I met. The only hiccup? My hips needed surgery before I could start my next chapter.

When the wonderful humans at VCAS told a Marine veteran named Nick about me, they made sure he knew everything: my happy personality and my medical needs. He could have decided to keep looking… but instead, he said he wanted to meet me.

Well, once Nick saw my joyful, wiggly self in person, he decided I was worth the wait. Before I could officially go home with him, I had to have surgery and recover. That meant a whole team of humans stepped in to help me along the way.

First, my friends at Gigi’s ensured that I received the necessary surgery. When I had a little setback with an infection, they took extra good care of me (including wagon rides to keep my spirits up).

Then, Susan, an incredible foster mom, opened her home while I healed, even through the holidays and extra vet visits. The amazing team at VCA Sawmill Animal Hospital helped me get stronger through physical therapy, enabling me to run, play, and live my best life.

And through it all… Nick waited patiently for me. Nick served our country for 8 years in the Marine Corps, and now, he’s my human, and it is my turn to serve him.

I’m a 50-pound, two-year-old poodle mix who doesn’t know a stranger, and I finally get to bring my playful energy and unconditional love home where I belong.

It took a whole team to make this placement happen, from the staff at Gigi’s to my foster family, to my rehab team, but the best part? I got my forever partner.

Thanks for believing in me, Nick!