I have not been good with checking back or updating. In fact….The site has changed, and is completely different from the last time I was on. I sometimes found it hard to read and hear the things that my little girl was up against. I wanted to stay positive and remove all ideas of doubt that I would plant into my head. I am one of those people who thrive on positive thinking. I apologize for being so absent in my posts and information. As, I feel many may benefit from Gracie's story and determination. 

Gracie is still with us. The 20th of this month will be 31 months. We feel so lucky.  She is in the minority when it comes to osteosarcoma.

Gracie has done rather well. We had a few bumps, but nothing that was cancer related. Back in the summer of '09 she went in for emergency surgery for an infected uterus (pyametra). We were told at that time…there was a chance it could rupture while in surgery…which would kill her.  But, Gracie…being a stubborn bulldog…just wasn't hearing any of it. She came through the surgery just fine. 

She has also had surgery on a growth in her ear that was causing her ear to get infections. She did well with it. She is now having some slight bladder issues. She gets UTIs rather easily. We just had blood work done in February and everything was in normal range. I call her my "Amazing Grace".

The biggest change in Gracie's life was becoming a big sister (trust me, this was not her idea). In December of 2010 we were offered a baby bulldog. Her mommy died giving birth to her litter. Gracie, who hates other animals, is coexisting with another bulldog! I am sure she hates Lilly….but it has been one of the best things for her. Lilly keeps Gracie on her toes and Gracie is just as grumpy as ever..letting Lilly know who is queen. Lilly knows that Gracie is boss.. Even though Gracie barks at Lilly and pushes her around…I know a part of her loves having Lilly around. It is keeping Gracie young. 

Gracie continues to be on a grain free diet. I still cook for her (deer meat mostly) and add veggies at times. I usually just mix the venison with dry grain free kibble (wellness core). I took Gracie off of Canine Immunity about a year ago. I continue to add things like flax seed oil and cottage cheese to her diet. Just recently I added some hemp seed oil to her food. She loves it, and it helps with her aging joints & keeps the immune system up. The kibble has the needed fruits and veggies, but on occasion I will add raw carrots, spinach, apples or blue berries to her food. Lilly is on the same diet. I feel it is a big part of Gracie's success. 

I am not sure if it's the bulldog mentality that keeps Gracie going, or just pure luck. Gracie will be 12 in April…this is considered an extra long life for a bulldog, whose life expectancy is somewhere closer to 10 years. We are just grateful for every day and never miss an opportunity to tell her we love her & kiss her smushy face.

~Casey