Grace, a pup surrendered by her owners due to their inability to cover her medical costs, faced an uncertain future. With her health deteriorating and no diagnosis in sight, her only hope lay in finding a dedicated family willing to uncover the issues plaguing her.
Fortunately, The Animal Pad, a non-profit dog rescue in San Diego, California, connected with a perfect family willing to help.
Easy Does It
The first night in her new home proved difficult for Grace. She was utterly exhausted, spending her nights nestled in blankets, whimpering and whining—a clear signal that something was wrong. “We were up all throughout the night with her. She was incredibly underweight,” Katie recounted to The Dodo.
Despite the family’s efforts to feed her, Grace showed little interest in food. However, every small bite she managed to consume brought overwhelming joy to her new family, who cheered her on, hoping for more with each mouthful.
“Whenever she would wag her tail, which was rare, it just made our day,” Katie mentioned.
Coming Out Of The Shell
Over time, the affectionate and nurturing atmosphere helped Grace regain her spirit. She began to exhibit puppy-like behavior again. Initially, she would only engage in play while lying down, but with encouragement, she eventually started running around!
Throughout her time in foster care, Grace had consistent veterinary check-ups, with everyone determined to discover the root of her issues. After many tests, the medical team made a significant discovery: Grace had not been vaccinated by her breeders and was also suffering from distemper, a severe neurological disease. Despite her current happiness and health, Grace will face some long-term effects due to this neglect. “She has a slight bobbing motion of her head that is pretty constant, and she’ll have to live with that,” Katie noted.
A Foster Failure
As Grace evolved into a beloved companion, her foster family couldn’t imagine parting with her. “We really went through something together. My family and I stood by her during the tough times. Seeing her now as a cheerful, lively dog is incredibly rewarding, and I adore her,” Katie shared.
Choosing to adopt this lovely girl has been the best and simplest decision her family has made. Today, Gracie enjoys an incredible life filled with love, cheerful playdates, comfortable naps, and delicious treats. What more could a pup desire?
