I…Grace

It Was a Freezing Winter Day When Mom Came to Get Me

I come from Rowe, New Mexico. There, I lived with more than one-hundred dogs in a filthy and scary place, until rescuers brought me to a shelter near Madrid. When I first saw Mom, I ran and hid because in the past, humans had not been nice to me. But after she offered a treat, I got close enough to sniff her and decided she was ok.

Days later, Carlyn brought me home to meet Ken, who I bolted from the moment I laid eyes on him. I’d learned to be afraid of men’s hands, their harsh voices, and questionable intentions. But Ken’s smile told me I had nothing to fear.

Would they keep me? Would they hurt me? At Rowe, my friends and I were neglected and my back still bears the scar of a mountain lion attack. I was afraid of most things, even my food bowl. When Mom walked me, I didn’t sniff or bark or wag my tail. My spirit was numb; as if I’d forgotten how to be a dog.

Then, on March 15, 2020, the world changed.

My parents couldn’t see their friends or families. I smelled Mom’s distress and sensed her unhappiness. So, we did something to make us both feel better–we walked. Every day, Mom and I hiked the green belts. There, I saw coyotes, rabbits, and other creatures. Little by little, our daily outings helped me remember who I was. Soon, I started sniffing again, my ears perked up, and my tail began wagging.

At the dog park, dogs wanted to play with me, but I refused to leave Mom’s side. One day, I let loose and ran after them like there was no tomorrow. I could hear my mom and her friends laughing and clapping for me. That night, I jumped on my parent’s bed. Instead of shouting that I was a bad dog, they laughed. Now, I sleep sandwiched between them, snoring loudly so they never forget I’m part of their family.

I’ve lived in Eldorado (Santa Fe) for three years of my six years and have had marvelous adventures. I’ve traveled to Colorado, Montana, and I saw the ocean for the first time in California. Mom tells me that one day we’re crossing the pond on a ship. That must be some huge pond!

When neighbors stop to talk with us on our walks, I hear Mom say she rescued me. But we both know we rescued each other. I only wish every shelter dog could find their forever home. We have so much to offer our human friends. All we ask in return is to be part of a loving family. I may not be the prettiest dog. I’m not purebred. I’m just a scrappy New Mexico blend who likes to hike, sleep, and eat popcorn while watching tv. But I am loyal and true–and always will be.

Grace’s Mom is Carlyn Montes De Oca, an animal advocate and award-winning author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as my Nurse. Her recent book, Junkyard Girl: A Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets, and Second Chances, was featured in The Santa Fe New Mexican, The Santa Fe Reporter, and Woman’s Day Magazine. Visit Carlyn at www.AnimalHumanHealth.com to learn about upcoming author events and to sign up for her popular newsletter celebrating the animal-human bond.