DSC_0132 That's my Gracee, she seems to love people and hate dogs. I blame it on a poor start in life, having been rescued, so to speak, when she was six months old. Our Gracee Mae never received early doggy socialization skills. No matter how hard we tried, her rough beginnings defeated our efforts.

During her first months with us, she paid regular visits to a doggie daycare in hopes of developing her social skills. This facility had two large rooms, the big dog room and the small dog room. George, a gigundous Mastiff, who belonged to one of my co-workers, was placed in the small dog room. Poor Georgie, only weeks old while in his brief small dog phase, was attacked by a larger dog at the park, leaving him a 160 pound chicken into his adult years. The staff respected his differences and permitted him to sit all day by the window, waiting for his mistress, shaking amongst the shihtzus and chihuahuas. Our Gracee, on the other hand, a 22 pound Scottswoman with a large personality, was placed in the big dog room. Probably not a good idea, but these were the experts. She grew up thinking she was a Great Dane in a Scottie body.

We loved her just the same, but we were cautious. On walks, when approached by other dogs, we'd politely inform the accompanying owner that she is "a does not get along well with others" creature. She has never hurt another dog, but her idea of four legged friendship involves snapping the air, teeth audibly clacking. When approached by humans, however, she turns to whimpering mush "Oh pet me, pet me," her wagging tail begs. Two legs = good. Four legs = watch out.

Eventually Amazin' Grace exhibited some semblance of obedience. While in our yard she was allowed to roam free until a growl indicated an approaching unleashed dog. She could sense them from half a block away, enough time to sternly warn her to stay. It worked, sort of, until Saturday night. Poor Ms. Grace, defied her orders of our friend who was watching her and antagonized an unleashed dog twice her size. She lost the fight.

Dog bites are nasty injuries and she has a matched set, one on each side. It causes difficulty laying down, so she nods off sleepily while sitting and jerks awake when she rolls onto her side in exhaustion. Poor girl, we think in sympathy. I hear the other dog's owner had apologized, but the truth is she brought it on herself.

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16 responses to “Loves people, hates dogs”

  1. Kristen Avatar

    Poor poor little Gracee. Look at that face! Perhaps this sad incident will cure her of her delusions of doggie grandeur. I hope she is on some good pain meds and that she heals quickly.

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  2. Monika Avatar

    Poor Gracee! I hope she’ll heal fast. Now she’ll think she was right all along, to hate other dogs.

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  3. Rebekah Avatar

    Oh poor Gracee. She just was born to be large. Well hopefully maybe this attack of hers will make her think twice the next time.

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  4. chancy Avatar

    Awww, get well soon Gracee!

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  5. LoriAngela Avatar

    Dogs heal so much more quickly than humans, but I think they hold on to their fears longer. Our 120lb black lab is always the bottom dog on the totem pole.

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  6. Suzanne Avatar

    Oh, poor Gracee! She is so cute and I hope she feels better soon.

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  7. Ellen Avatar
    Ellen

    Give Gracee soft hugs from me!

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  8. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Poor Gracie I hope she is feeling better soon.

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  9. Uli Avatar

    Oooh, sorry to hear……… our dachshund (although he never got beat up like that) was just like that……….. he was willing to take on any other large dog and we know he would have lost….

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  10. Jane Toumpas Avatar
    Jane Toumpas

    Oh no Miss Gracie ! Hope you are on the mends soon 🙂 Love , your cousin Sullivan O’Toumpas WOOF 🙂

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  11. Daisy Avatar
    Daisy

    Oh, poor Gracee! I kept on reading your text in the past tense and I was so afraid she hadn’t made it! I’m so glad that she did!

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  12. Susanne Avatar
    Susanne

    Poor wee Gracee, sure hope she is feeling better and perhaps it will be a lesson learned (?). ha, I know!
    I laughed at your post title, though as some days I feel exactly the opposite. Hates people, loves dogs! just some days mind you…

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  13. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    Poor Gracee – hope she’s feeling better soon. Our Miles is also confused about his pedigree. He’s a beagle who thinks he’s a rottweiler. However unlike Gracee, he’ll gladly hang out with other dogs, it’s people he’d like to use as chew toys. 😦

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  14. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    I had a dog like that and I am proud of you that you made the comment, “she brought it on herself”. She is still a real sweetie and I bet she has the best owners in the world!! You really understand dogs!

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  15. Jackie Avatar
    Jackie

    My Clyde, a West Highland White, would understand Gracee completely. Hope she is feeling better. I would like to request a copy of your Herringbone Rib scarf pattern. I have some beautiful handpainted chenille yarn that I’m hoping to use in it. What do you think? Can you suggest a different scarf pattern for the chenille? Thanks.

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  16. Dotty Avatar

    Poor Gracee!!! I hope she is doing much better now.

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