One of the IMOM donors has issued a matching challenge! CatPaws will match the next $100 in donations for Gracie.
Here's an update from Noel ~
Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know, I just got chills and again with the crying! It is amazing how you can just wake up praying for a little miracle and somehow you Angels pull through!! Thank you Maribeth and Catpaws...(I am still learning everyone's first name and not sure how to look it up??? Can you share your first name with me?) I love your generous spirit and that you have rallied once again. Last night I went to bed extremely worried bc I wasn't sure if we were going to be ok...and then here you all are again, in Gracie's corner. I love you for that.
Gracie...oh where to start? Gracie has been the sparkle in my eye for quite some time. I got her as a young puppy and she was just one of the most well behaved, curious and gentle dogs I had ever met. I know they say Golden's are such a great bread, but I literally had no idea. She went cross country skiing with me when she was just about 5 months old and could barely run and keep up but had so much energy I wanted her to get it all out before going to Christmas dinner!! She spent most of the time riding on my chest in my backpack. I have a photo I am going to look for it tonight. The point is she has a love for the outdoors and everytime we used to go she was just bouncing all over. Once when we were in National forest land she found a herd of elk which really scared me (yes, dogs are allowed off leash up there) but she just went up to them and they did nothing. Just looked at her and she just layed down to give them a little distance and watched them. Sometimes, and I have always thought this...she communicates with animals...especially squirrels. I sit back and watch her interact with other creatures, kids, seniors...just everyone and think if we all had that kind of manner and curiousity to explore the little things in life our world would be much different.
I thought about the response I received from her vet and everyone that worked there when we found out how bad her wrist really was. I had known that they loved Gracie but it was amazing to see everyone in tears and my vet who is EXTREMELY gruff and old school (and loving and awesome) was so upset. He just kept saying what an amazing dog she is and how she really deserve a chance at a good life again, because with this surgery it is possible.
Since I have found out that she needs the surgery, I myself have stopped going to the mountains here in Colorado no matter how much it means to me to be up there, I have to be honest, the one time I tried to go...I cried because I could not stop thinking about how much it means to her to be out and up there being free and she can't.
When Gracie rides in the car she sometimes gets up in the front seat and stares at me and the best part...and I mean, I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world... she puts her paw on my hand and leans her head back against the seat and just looks at me. She makes me feel like there is limitless love and that we are a team.
When all of this is behind us and we are able to take our first walk in the woods again (after a few months of recovery) I will post a picture on here so you can all see Gracie the way she really is, instead of in so much pain. I want her to be a part of my life for many years to come (and with your help, it is going to be possible) and to explore nature and all the wonderful parts of life that make having a companion like Gracie so special. I believe in living a healthy life and always taking a minute to stop and literally smell the roses. If nothing else, I hope this story reminded you to find something beautiful in the day. Even if just for a second. That is what Gracie is to me...a constant reminder that no matter what, life is truly a gift meant to be enjoyed and taken in.
I love you all for helping Gracie and I through this and we are getting closer by the day to reaching our goal!!! Can you believe it??? I am beside myself with love and joy being a part of this group!
If you know anyone who might need to be reminded about the simple joys in life, please share my story about Gracie and ask them to make a donation and to just take a moment and find something that makes them smile...it is the best thank you she can give!!
Much love, Noel and Gracie...the Mountain Mommas
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