I’ve met a lot of service dogs over the years, but until this weekend I’d never meet an Italian Greyhound working in a service capacity. And, I fell in love with Gracie’s sweet little face, as she snuggled with her partner in a chest-mounted carrier at that weekend pet expo. They were promoting their children’s book.
Gracie’s partner, Diane Dike, PhD, believes her purpose in life is to “encourage others to hold onto hope.” That’s saying something since she’s battling cryoglobulinemia (a rare, incurable blood disease). When she first met Gracie, the tiny dog was also in rough shape. They’ve teamed up to help each other, and now they do inspirational speaking engagements and other public appearances all over. (Diane also has written an autobiography called “God Made Only One of Me.”)
To read more about them, check out Diane’s site at www.DianeDike.org.
I’m not a person of faith in the traditional sense. However, her message of choosing action over despair, of reaching out, and of seeing a blessing in the eyes of her pup ring true to me nonetheless.
So, for Diane’s persistence and for Gracie’s hard work, they’ve earned honorary Champion of My Heart status.
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