Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Gracie The Gentle Giant with the Biggest Welcome Home
Some dogs make a house feel like home. Gracie is one of those dogs.
At around 2 years old and weighing 82 lbs, Gracie is a beautiful Coonhound/Labrador Retriever mix with the perfect balance of laid-back companionship and playful adventure. She'll happily join you for a game of fetch, a neighborhood walk, or a bike ride, but she's just as content stretching out nearby while you unwind after a long day. She's the kind of dog who isn't looking to be the center of attention—she just wants to be wherever her favorite people are.
Want to see Gracie in action? Head over to YouTube then come right back to learn more!
Gracie is estimated to have been born around July 27, 2024, weighs approximately 82.3 lbs, and we believe she's a Coonhound/Labrador Retriever mix (best guess, because rescue).
One of the very best things about Gracie? Coming home to her.
Every single day, she'll greet you with the biggest grin imaginable—full teeth showing, tail wagging so hard her entire body wiggles with excitement. It's impossible not to smile when you walk through the door and see Gracie's signature welcome. She's the kind of dog who makes you feel like you've been gone for weeks, even if it was only a quick trip to the grocery store. It quickly becomes the best part of your day.
At home, Gracie is an easy companion to live with. She's house trained and crate trained, enjoys relaxing around the house, and has earned the trust to free roam without causing trouble. Foster describes her as a quiet girl overall, happy to spend her day lounging nearby, following her favorite people from room to room, or settling in for a well-earned nap after spending time outside. She loves being with her people but isn't constantly demanding attention—she simply enjoys sharing life with them.
Gracie wasn't overly affectionate when she first arrived in foster care. She preferred taking things at her own pace and wasn't quite sure what to make of all the extra love and attention. As trust grew, so did her affectionate side. Before long, she was offering kisses, resting her head in her foster's lap, and leaning into affection whenever she had the chance. Once Gracie decides you're one of her people, she loves wholeheartedly.
She has an especially soft spot for men, likely because she spent her previous life closely bonded with her former owner.
Because she forms such strong attachments, Gracie can experience some separation anxiety when left alone. She thrives on companionship and would likely do best in a home where someone is around more often or with another compatible dog to help keep her company.
Although she's a large dog, Gracie has a wonderfully balanced energy level. She enjoys getting outside and making memories with her people. Fetch is one of her absolute favorite games, and she's always happy to head out for a walk or trot alongside a bicycle. She even has an impressive hidden talent that completely surprised her foster—catching a frisbee!
The very first time one was tossed her way, Gracie leaped up and caught it on her very first try, leaving everyone laughing and wondering where she'd learned those skills. It's a perfect example of her playful, athletic side that shines once she's settled in.
With other dogs, Gracie is confident, social, and communicates beautifully. She currently lives with three other dogs—both large and small—and has done wonderfully with all of them. She especially enjoys playing with the male dogs in her foster home but has also built a great friendship with a younger female after they were introduced thoughtfully. When that young dog was a little too enthusiastic at first, Gracie politely let her know she needed some space. With slow introductions, time, and positive experiences together, they're now constant playmates.
That's Gracie in a nutshell—she communicates respectfully, appreciates good canine manners, and genuinely enjoys having dog friends. She would likely thrive with a playful but socially appropriate dog, especially a low- to medium-energy male or another respectful companion. She shares toys beautifully, takes treats politely around other dogs, and showed excellent social skills throughout her behavior assessment.
Cats, however, are not a match for Gracie. During her assessment she showed a strong prey drive toward cats, so she'll need a feline-free home.
Children have not yet been fully assessed. While Gracie has never shown aggression toward adults and has been wonderful with everyone she's met, she did growl while kenneled when young grandchildren visited her foster home. Since we haven't had the opportunity to complete a proper child assessment outside of that situation, we'd currently recommend a home with adults or older teens until additional kid testing can be completed.
On leash, Gracie can pull a little when she's excited, but she's very responsive to gentle guidance and corrections. With consistency and continued practice, she'll make a wonderful walking partner.
If Gracie had a signature move, it would be her full-body wiggle greeting. The second you walk through the door, her smile stretches from ear to ear, her tail starts wagging, and suddenly her whole body is dancing with excitement. It's impossible to have a bad day when someone is that happy to see you.
Gracie's ideal home is one filled with companionship, patience, and plenty of love. She'd enjoy another respectful dog to share life with or would happily soak up all of your attention herself. She isn't looking for perfection—just a family who will appreciate her loyal heart, playful spirit, and the incredible bond she builds once she knows she's home.
If you're looking for a dog who can spend the afternoon chasing a frisbee, accompany you on a bike ride or neighborhood walk, greet you with the happiest smile you've ever seen, and then curl up nearby while you relax, Gracie may be exactly the companion you've been waiting for. She's loyal, affectionate, playful, and has the kind of loving personality that makes every day just a little bit brighter!
We are happy to complete any additional behavior testing needed to ensure Gracie is the perfect match for your family. Her adoption coordinator would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if she's your perfect fit!
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? Apply today!
Apply Here:
https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/6a677aa5b3c968c3670bc284
Questions? Email megan.rhoads@threelittlepittiesrescue.org
We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page!
Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience!
The adoption fee is $1,000 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship!
We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews:
https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process.
At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress!
We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog.
Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet.
It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS:
-Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family
-Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test
30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion
-A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions
-Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training
-70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription
-Coupons for a fun visit to Petco
-20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions
-Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer
-Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup!
The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another.
Follow our journey and stay connected!
🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org
📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need!
*Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies.
DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing.
NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.
