Joy of Adoption Story
Bernie and Buddy
“Thank you, Saving Grace, for giving us a wonderful retirement! We came to save a dog, but we came home with dogs that have saved us!”
We found two great pets who have taken over our lives at Saving Grace. The choices are many and each of the dogs is well looked after and truly ready to be adopted. The staff leave you to wander around and pick the one that is meant for you.
We were never empty nesters even after the children grew up, as our two 4-legged children never left home! During the COVID shut down in 2020, we lost one of our dear dogs, Ernie, and I went to Saving Grace and discovered Buddy (named Rooster). Despite the Covid shutdown, Saving Grace continued flawlessly to observe social distancing with visitors, while looking after the animals. Buddy liked to climb on everything, and we soon realized why he was named Rooster at Saving Grace! A charming Labrador-Pointer-hound mix, who can get anything he wants by making big, sad eyes and drooping his ears. He loved to play and get chased and made friends easily with our older, smaller dog Elsa. Adopting Buddy was the best thing for us not to think of the dog we lost, and Elsa also cheered up and played with Buddy. We learn from our pets how to accept death gracefully and continue to live!
In 2023, Elsa passed away and I needed a companion for Buddy right away. Again, I visited Saving Grace looking for 30–35-pound, around 3-4 years old female. I found a 3-month-old, 20-pound puppy, named Patches who looked a little clownish with a patch over half her face. When a senior colleague of mine heard I had gotten a puppy at my age, 74 years, he asked me if I knew what I was in for! Patches was re-named Bernie, short for Bernadette. Bernie is the toughest, tireless, most hyperactive puppy I have ever had (and I have brought up many in my lifetime!) and the noisiest! She turned out to be mostly an Australian Cattle Dog who wants to herd anything and everything. Buddy has met his match but is a perfect gentleman with Bernie and has allowed her to become Queen!
Buddy and Bernie keep us busy with walks, playing and their playful antics. There is not a dull moment in our home. The nest is full! Exercise and healthy eating are essential for aging gracefully.
