Gracie gets a happy ending!
Gracie, the Italian Greyhound from New Jersey who was lost in mid-July on Brooklyn's not-so-mean streets, has been found!
Owner Theresa Hogang found out earlier this month that Gracie was taken in by a woman named Maria, who in turn gave the 4-year-old Iggy to an acquaintance named Kevin. The only information Maria had about him was that he was in his mid-20s and lives in Park Slope.
Vivi search coordinator Bonnie Folz, who had been keeping in close touch with Theresa (as have many Vivi-ites), emailed this morning with the rest of the story:
Turns out Kevin is not Kevin at all, but a fellow named Barry who had seen the fliers of Gracie posted, but didn't think they pertained to his new dog -- until a friend set him straight.
He called Theresa last night and she headed out to meet him, steeling herself for what could have been a crank call. (There have been several.)
Instead, she found her dog.
"As soon as Gracie found her family, she leaped into Theresa's daughters' arms!" Bonnie says.
The reunited family returned to New Jersey at 4 a.m., and have scheduled a visit to the veterinarian today to tend to Gracie's paw pads, which, are still in bad shape from her Brooklyn adventure. She will be microchipped when she is there, too.
Bonnie had the best kicker for this story: "One can never give up hope."
What a sweetheart! I'm soooooo glad she was able to go home.
Posted by: Pam A. | August 13, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Such great news! And she is such a cutie. One can never give up hope. It's Vivi's turn.
Posted by: Susan Lorinsky | August 13, 2007 at 02:41 PM
bravo! what good news. I don't post much and I'm afraid to ask, but what ever happen to Duke, out on long island? I'm still looking for Vivi. J.
Posted by: joan | August 13, 2007 at 03:06 PM
I am SOOOO happy Gracie is home and safe. I want to thank everyone who has been helping with the search for her. Marty, I know you were the first to start sending out the posters. It is so amazing what this group of people has helped accomplish from all areas of the United States. As said before, Vivi has a legacy of kindness extended to many, many other animals and people because of her travels.
But Vivi, it is time for you to get your cute little whippet booty home please....
Posted by: Kathleen Stephenson | August 13, 2007 at 03:22 PM
I have tears of JOY for this little girl GRACIE. I was starting to worry the last few days that she ended up in the wrong hands.
SO THIS JUST MADE MY DAY! I am so HAPPY knowing she is with her loving family. I hope they get her a new collar she can't slip out of. I know the Martingales work well for this breed. I am so paranoid that I walk my dog with TWO LEASHES> I always worry one is going to unsnap or unclasp so I have another one hooked ready to take its place.
My boy is microchiped as well, YOU just can't be too careful specially with the sighthounds. I would have to be sedated if my boy ever got lost.
Still praying for that Miracle for our VIVI!
I love you sweet, brave girl!
VIVA LA VIVI!
Posted by: Rosa | August 13, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Me too Rosa. I was crying tears of joy at work this morning when Bonnie sent the email with this joyous news!!! I do believe she said Gracie will be getting microchipped so at least she will be much safer. It's such a fantastic happy ending!!
-Renee
Posted by: Renee Polgar | August 13, 2007 at 05:19 PM
The past 2 weeks have been bad for me...my Aunt passed away, my Dad just got out of the hospital yesterday after a scary week long admission and my dog Genevieve is not feeling well again (I did see your post last week Mila and will respond to you as soon as I can)....this is the best, best HAPPY CRY I could have ever, ever asked for....God bless everyone and God Bless Gracie and her loving family...may she heal well and never get lost again. HURRAY !!!!!! :)
Posted by: Patti from Michigan | August 13, 2007 at 05:38 PM
So awesome that Gracie is back home with Theresa and her family!! Thank you Barry for taking such good care of her and seeing her home!!
Patti, good to see your post! I am so very sorry to hear your Aunt has passed. Blessings to her and to her family. Is your Dad going to be ok? Prayers for him and your Genevieve. You have had a very difficult week, my dear.
We do know that Ursa was adopted!!! You did good, Patti, for giving her a future!!
Let us know how your little pup is doing and that your Father is going to be ok?
Posted by: Mila | August 13, 2007 at 06:45 PM
I never had any doubt this dog would be found. It was only a matter of time. Same goes for Vivi. To quote Bonnie, keep the faith.
Posted by: Ophelia | August 13, 2007 at 07:08 PM
AWESOME NEWS!!! so glad Gracie is safe again...her name sure does fitting! Thank God for His Grace to us all!
Now...Vivi's turn! PLEASE let your pretty little face to be SEEN!!
Hope that someone will recognized Vivi being lost on the flyer and call the Vivi Teams!!
We need more happy news!!
God bless you all, my Vivi friends!
Posted by: Paula Wright | August 13, 2007 at 07:21 PM
I've ben so depressed the past two days, contributed to by Gracie's story....Just dragged home 10 minutes ago AND THIS MADE MY WEEK !! My Bunny Rose is 1/2 Italian Greyhound and Gracie has her coloring. I'd be on heavy meds if my BR had disappeared.
Posted by: Nancy Mohrmann | August 13, 2007 at 07:43 PM
Wow! that is the best news that I have read in a long time.. That little baby is so cute.
Thank God for people reading psoter's...
Yippie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: lnda speraza | August 13, 2007 at 09:06 PM
i hope someone helps barry find an iggy of his own....maybe through rescue? god bless him, his wife and maria!
Posted by: igs4me | August 13, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Great news about Gracie going home and picturing her jumping in the daughters arms is priceless.
Joan no news on Duke yet, his case is still in the appelate court and since it is summer we hear Judges do not do much. One of our girls asked Denise just last week about him and she had also been to the shelter to see him, I sure do love that big boy, after seeing him in person you can tell he is a big ole mush and needs to go home. We worked so hard he has to go home. Thanks for asking, he is not forgotten.
Posted by: Debbie | August 13, 2007 at 10:44 PM
YEAH!!!!! for Gracie and her family. I can't stop crying. VIVI IT'S YOUR TURN, WE HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON YOU.
MORE GOOD NEWS MUST COME OF THIS, LET'S KEEP PRAYING.
Posted by: Regina Stutzin | August 14, 2007 at 12:23 PM
GREAT NEWS ON GRACIE!
So glad also that she was with a nice person that got her back to her loving family. Your turn Vivi!
Just a quick note:
My daughter's dog (French Bull Mastiff) with the allergy problem: My daughter tried a rice & venisen dog food. He loves it and it seems to be working for him, so far. Thanks to everyone for our advice.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | August 14, 2007 at 10:37 PM