Gracie's Story
Our beloved Black Lab, Donovan, passed away on Father's Day weekend 2020. Even though I swore there would be no more dogs, my husband and I submitted an application to Golden Treasures rescue organization only two days after Donovan passed away. I was concerned because almost all of their dogs required the adopter to have another "confident dog" in the home. But we had just lost our confident dog. I noticed that "Gracie" did not have that requirement.
We received a call from GT right away -- I think because I was in the process of retiring and would be home, we had a fenced yard, and prior experience with Goldens. GT had a bonded pair they were hoping we would consider but we weren't ready for two dogs. I asked about Gracie and learned that she was a rescue from Turkey.
I did some research and learned that Golden Retriever puppies are considered to be a status symbol in Turkey. But once they're grown they're discarded and left to roam the streets of Istanbul to fend for themselves. Fortunately, a rescue organization in Turkey works with several rescue organizations in the U.S. to save these dogs. A number of "Turkey Dog" flights have successfully brought these abandoned Goldens to forever homes in the U.S. in recent years.
Gracie made it to the U.S. in 2019. She was two years old at the time. Upon arriving in Summit County she was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia and immediately had her left hip replaced. Gracie was lovingly fostered until she was well. GT told us that she was actually adopted but then returned after about a week.
We had our meet and greet with Gracie eight days after Donovan passed away. Gracie was three weeks shy of her third birthday at the time. She's been with us ever since. We are baffled that anyone ever could have returned this sweet girl, but are so thankful they did.
We have had many incredible dogs over the years but Gracie is truly the most special. I had her DNA tested because she's so petite and she's 95.3% Golden Retriever. The remaining 4.7% is "unresolved" and can't be attributed to any species in the huge database. I'm pretty sure that's because it's angel!
I often wonder who rescued who when it comes to Gracie.
Lynne
