When Mary Violante adopted Gracie, a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix who is now 11 years old and hailed from an animal rescue organization, she had no idea that one day she would save someone’s life. Small dogs like the Chihuahua are known for their constant little barking noises, but one day Gracie started a bark that Violante had never heard before. Little did he know, it was Gracie’s way of telling him something was wrong.
Violante and Gracie live together in an independent community in Wake Forest, North Carolina. It was hard to ignore Gracie’s continued barking when Violante was talking to one of her court friends outside. Before Violante saw John Ball lying on the ground, he followed Gracie around the corner and walked through the bushes.
Ball is a 92-year-old man who is blind and vertically defiant. After losing his balance, he fell in his garden and could not get up. When Gracie saw it lying there, she immediately took measures to attract the attention of its owner. Violante quickly called 911 for Ball, but luckily he only had a few cuts on his arm and bruises on his back.
There was no one in the yard except Gracie, so who would have known how long Ball would have been there if he hadn’t been helped. It’s safe to say that little Gracie is a heroine and her bark finally worked.
Ball showed Gracie his thanks with a balloon, some goodies and a “thank you” card: “Dear Gracie, thank you yesterday for the big mess you made by telling people I need help – you are my hero! It would be Lassie. ” Very proud. You received the good neighbor award. I am honored to be your friend. Visit me sometime, let’s stay barking. Bark Gracie! Your friend, John Ball. “
Gracie accepted Ball’s offer, and the two became good friends. Gracie visited Ball regularly to check on him.
H/T to WRAL.