Meet Grace!!

(Willowmere's Lady Stetson  OAP, OAJP)

The Story of Heather and Grace

(How they came to be)

Grace was Lacey before she came to live with Heather.

Heather Barrett became Lacey's mom after the breeder brought her back from Texas, where she had been with another breeder for approximately 3 1/2 years.  At the time Heather got Grace, she had been back in Oregon with her breeder for approximately 6 weeks.  He was very happy to find a good home for Grace as she needed very special attention.  We are not aware of much of Grace's history before she came here, but hope to learn more so we can fill in the blanks spots.    At the time Heather made her decision to take Grace, she was fully aware that Grace was going to take a lot of work, and needed very special attention, and the Breeder made it very clear that if it didn't work out, or if she wasn't up to it, then he would take her back anytime, and she could pick another dog.  If anything, the breeder discouraged Heather in this undertaking, by making sure that she was not under the illusion that things with Grace would be easy, or that Grace would eventually work through her problems. 

When Heather first saw Grace she couldn't  say "no I don't want her".  How could she!!  Grace desperately needed help, Grace was like an autistic child.  Grace was essentially autistic, as she wasn't connected to the world at all.  Everything she saw she was frightened of.  Everything.  But there was something about Grace that really struck Heather.  I don't think she new what  it was at the time, but something really connected with her.  Now I know what it is, but when you first meet Grace you don't know.  It's in her eyes.  Grace is an old soul, and when you look at her you are drawn to her incredible eyes, which tell you everything.  Heather sensed that what she saw wasn't all there was to Grace.  Grace wasn't the terrified, fearful , quivering, shaking creature that you were seeing.  There was a lot more.  If you looked into her eyes, you could see something else.  She was very soulful.  She knew you were there, she knew you were trying to reach her, but something stopped her from doing what comes instinctively to dogs, which is to connect with humans, and their surroundings. 

Heather said "No, I want her!!"  and brought her home.

Find out about Grace's Former Life