Calli Thatcher Grace

City & State
Lexington Park, MD

Share your setter’s story and why he/she should be our next Cover Star!
I wanted a male, until Grace's regal photo made THE connection with my heart. Grace existed 8 years, trapped in a kennel, producing puppies. Her body tells the story: as beautiful as she is, her teeth are nubs after chewing her kennel year after year; her breasts are deformed, after nursing puppies, littler after litter. Her legs were so lacking exercise, the foster's vet predicted atrophy in her future. Grace defied that, learning from her foster's dog, Calli, there was more to life! They ran, and swam, and lived with "their people." In homage, Grace added Calli''s name to her's. Her foster and I would cry, viewing video of Grace running, calling her "constant motion." Grace fought hard; I called her "Iron Lady," adding "Thatcher" to her name.

Grace became mine June 2013. In July, she forgot the bird-dog moniker, becoming a turtle-dog! I found her barking, in a show-down with a turtle; this became her day job! Obsessed, she scoped them out, finding 6 last July, delivering 4 to me. Just look at her face - turtle heaven!!! So far, 2014, she's only found 1; I think the turtles got wise to her and re-located. She's traveled states to get here, but she was destined to be a MD TERPS fan!

Calli Thatcher Grace's strength is tempted again tomorrow, when mammary tumors will be removed, hopefully adding more time to this wonderful dog's life. Vote for Grace and the strength and beauty she brings to this breed. GO GRACE!