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Meet Gracie Lou and Miss Hope. These two girls had a knack for finding the fun in everything and sharing that fun with all they met. They shared many things in common - they were both beautiful, they both were independent-minded girls, and they both were fortunate enough to be rescued. What their lives were like before rescue, we'll never know. As with most rescue dogs, though, Gracie and Hope never looked back once they found their ways to forever homes - Gracie in Pennsylvania and Hope in Arkansas. And if it's one thing a rescue dog seems to know, it's a good thing when they have it. And once they have it, well they don't just embrace it - they jump in the middle of it, roll around in it, and spread it around.

And so it was with Gracie and Hope - they spread their love around. They shared their joy of life with everyone and they reminded us to appreciate everything we have, big and small. Especially the small things. Of course they enjoyed the big things, like new dog toys and being freshly groomed. But oh the joy they found in little things! As much as Gracie loved going on trips, she was almost as happy playing in the suitcases. Throw in a bike ride at the end of the day? Well, she was in her glory. Hope had her choice of several comfy beds in the house, but nothing made her happier than a certain duct-taped box filled with fleece. We'd throw it away and she'd pull it back out.

And they weren't content to keep their happiness to themselves - they loved to share it. Gracie would gleefully show off her interior design talents by shredding a bag of cotton balls across the house and then proudly displaying the results for family, friends, and cameras. Hope proved attitude is everything by strutting her stuff in a best dressed dog contest one week after having her eye removed - and winning 1st prize. They knew it wasn't the size of a thing that mattered, it was the heart with which it was done.

Gracie and Hope are not here with us anymore. Gracie died unexpectedly from AIHA, a disease that attacks the immune system without warning and leaves very little room for hope. And Miss Hope's body, weak from early years filled with neglect and abuse, finally gave out. Yet as much as it hurts to have them gone, we still love and laugh with the memory of them. And we'd like for that lesson of hope, love and laughter to continue.

The CARA Fund is establishing Gracie's Hope, a special fund dedicated to the memory of Gracie, Hope, and all those dogs that have taught us that as long as we're going along, we might as well enjoy the ride. And in honor of their love of the little things, Gracie's Hope will be focused on helping smaller needs, those things requiring $100.00 or less.

How can you help? Donations can me made in memory of other dogs who shared their love of life and fun, in celebration of the little things they did. We also hold fundraisers to help with this unique fund. One thing we can promise you - these fundraisers will be fun and designed to make everyone laugh. Plans are already in the works for a special long distance tea party, hosted by Little Bit and Bridgette of St. Louis. Details will follow on this shortly.

Details are in still in the works for this fun new project for CARA. We hope you're excited - we certainly are! Stay tuned for more information!

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. if I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."