For Gracie

There are some stories you can't wait to tell.

This isn't one of them.

I've started writing this article more times than I can count, but every time I've stopped because I wasn't ready.

If Wendy Wanders is going to be an honest account of life's adventures, though, it has to include the heartbreak as well as the happy moments.

If you've read my first few articles, you'll already have met Gracie. She was my constant companion, travelling beside me in Nancy and making every adventure just that little bit brighter.

A few weeks ago, everything changed.

While rushing Gracie to the vets, I crashed Nancy. Later that same day, I heard the words no dog owner ever wants to hear. Gracie was riddled with cancer, and I had to say goodbye to my beautiful girl.

Nancy will be repaired. Gracie never can be.

So before Wendy Wanders continues with its next adventures, I want to tell you about the little girl who chose me twelve years ago... and why she'll always be part of every journey that lies ahead.

The Little Girl Who Chose Me

Some dogs become part of your family.

Others simply decide you're their person.

Gracie chose me.

When I first met her as a tiny puppy, she cried until she could reach me, then buried herself in my hair, making the sweetest little happy noise.

That was it.

She'd made her decision.

I'd actually gone to find a puppy for my son Josh, but Gracie had completely different ideas.

From that day on, we were inseparable.

Later, Gracie became a mum, and Josh chose one of her puppies, Sasha. Just as Gracie had chosen me, Sasha chose Josh.

Now Josh is working as an engineer on a flotilla in Greece, and Sasha has become my travelling companion. Since losing Gracie she's hardly left my side, and although she's slowly finding her confidence again, I think we're both still learning what life looks like without her.

Gracie, my travel companion and best friend.

Twelve Wonderful Years

Gracie and I shared twelve years of adventures.

We explored Scotland, Northumberland, Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall and Dartmoor together.

She loved beaches, woodland walks, meeting new people and travelling in Nancy.

If you've already read my first Wendy Wanders stories, you'll remember the little Cocker Spaniel happily pulling me around Proctor's Stead while I hobbled behind in my hospital boot.

She brought joy wherever she went.

The Day Everything Changed

I'd already taken Gracie to the vets three times.

This was the fourth.

As I drove, she suddenly became desperately unwell, and all I could think about was getting her there as quickly as possible.

I spotted two spaces big enough for Nancy.

What I didn't see was the black height barrier.

The crash happened in seconds.

Looking back, the damage to Nancy doesn't matter.

She'll have a new roof, skylights, solar panels, a bathroom refit and plenty more before she's back on the road.

Gracie couldn't be repaired.

When the vet gently told me she was riddled with cancer, I knew the kindest thing I could do was let her go.

It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made.

One Last Adventure

One memory brings me comfort.

While I was working that day, some wonderful friends I'd met at Proctor's Stead took Gracie and Sasha out for one last adventure.

They walked them.

Spoiled them.

Took them to the local pub.

Then for cream cakes at a café.

My only sadness is that I wasn't there to share those last few hours with her.

But she spent them exactly as she'd always lived—with love, kindness and plenty of fuss.

Thank You, Gracie

Gracie wasn't just my dog.

She was there through every chapter of my life.

She celebrated the good days, stayed close during the difficult ones and became part of every journey I've ever taken.

Every beach we walked.

Every sunrise beside Nancy.

Every hidden corner of Britain we explored.

She'll always be part of Wendy Wanders.

The Journey Continues

For now, Nancy is being repaired and the adventures are on pause, but I have many stories still to tell of recent and past adventures.

Soon, Sasha and I will set off again to explore Britain's hidden gems.

It won't be the same.

There'll always be one little space that feels empty.

But wherever the road takes us next, Gracie will travel with us in our hearts.

Happy wandering, my beautiful girl.

12 wonderful years.
Forever my co-pilot. 🐾

I'll love you always.

💔