Gracie Babyak Obituary

Gracie was adopted Feb. 2, 2021 at 9 years old, she came along with her English bulldog brother Frankie who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her adopted sister Lexi and all her beloved humans.

When Gracie first arrived at our home, she had many fears and was extremely timid. She had been abused in the past and was in a shelter, but a kind woman rescued her. The woman became sick and passed away leaving Gracie and her brother alone.

The woman's grown children fed the dogs but could not keep them. Between visiting their mother in the hospital, having their own families, and then dealing with their mother's death, it was understandably difficult. We didn't know the length of time the dogs spent in an empty house, but we knew they needed stability.

At first, Gracie was so apprehensive that she wouldn't move from the couch or eat. We hand fed her, offering food on a plastic plate along with water. Eventually she felt safe enough to go to her dishes, but did not venture from the living room. After a couple months, she began peeking around the corner of the doorway to see where we were. It almost took a year before she explored other parts of the house.

Gracie would tenderly watch over children as though she were a guardian. She wiggled her happy boxer wiggle when it was time to go outside, barked at us when it took too long to prepare her food, and bumped our legs with her nose to get our attention. Because she was a boxer, her expression always looked like she owed us rent money. She was sweet, gentle, and loyal.

She grew older and grayer with a desire to be closer to us more often. She started to have issues in keeping her food down. I needed to hand feed her again but this time offering food from a spoon. She eagerly ate canned food in small bites but Gracie lost weight quickly.

Initially we thought her teeth were bad and it kept her from chewing properly, but the outcome was bleak after her veterinarian appointment. Two days later, Gracie crossed the Rainbow Bridge while I told her how much she was loved. Even though she was 14 years old, we wish she had a few more years. We miss her and she will forever hold an endearing place in our family's hearts.