I haven't fostered a shelter dog in quite a while, but as I'm starting to consider adding a dog to my family, I thought that now is as good a time as ever. Tonight I'm going to take home Gracie, a Boxer/Lab mix. I met Gracie a week ago when I pulled her from a local shelter for our adoption program. I had a spot for a new Silver Muzzle Club dog, and I thought Gracie was a perfect fit. In the kennel, I saw a puppyish, squishy boxer face, but when I took her out, the other end was a very different story. Gracie is extremely emaciated, has a thin, brittle coat, her ears look like they have tar inside, and her front teeth have been worn to nubs. However, upon closer inspection, we've realized Gracie probably isn't a senior at all. More likely five or six years old, this dog appears to be the victim of severe neglect.

Tuesday Gracie will go to the vet to get spayed, have a couple of calouses removed, and get cleaned up. My goal will be to help her put some weight on and add some shine to her coat. I think with a little TLC, Gracie will return to looking and acting like the young dog she really is.