Eight-year-old Gracie Wise has found a beautiful life with her family on Champions Boulevard, where she is surrounded by neighbors who have become treasured friends and an important part of their village. Her family purchased their home inside Pinnacle Country Club in 2020 and quickly discovered just how welcoming this community could be. Whether neighbors are checking in, gathering for events or simply looking out for one another, they have found a genuine sense of connection and belonging.

At the center of their home is Gracie, a Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever mix who often leaves people curious about her breed. She has the familiar features and gentle spirit of a Golden Retriever, but instead of the traditional golden coat, Gracie is completely black.

Gracie first entered her family’s life when she was two years old. Her previous family needed to surrender her because of a move, and her future owner agreed to become a temporary foster while an adoptive home was found.

Gracie’s sweet eyes immediately drew her in.

Although there were already two cats and another dog in the home, Gracie blended into the family so naturally that it quickly became difficult to imagine letting her go. After only a few weeks, the temporary arrangement began to feel much more permanent.

Gracie may have made the final decision herself when her owner’s then-boyfriend, now husband, allowed her to sleep in the bed while he was dog-sitting. From that moment forward, it seemed Gracie had decided she had found exactly where she belonged.

The family completed the adoption and rehoming process, and in 2020, Gracie officially became theirs.

Gracie was originally named Violet. Her family expanded it to Violet Grace before eventually shortening it to Gracie.

That does not mean she is lacking in nicknames. Depending on the day and the situation, she may answer to Triple G, Gracie Good Girl, Swamp Monster, Sweetie, Booty Floor or the family favorite, Right Here Girl.

Whatever name they use, Gracie is rarely far away.

Gracie adores people and has a way of being completely present with those around her. She seems to understand emotions and instinctively knows when someone needs comfort.

During especially difficult moments as her owner grieved the loss of her youngest brother, Gracie seemed to know exactly when she was needed. She would lean gently against her or rest her head in her lap, offering the kind of quiet reassurance that only a deeply intuitive dog can provide.

Her gentle spirit draws others to her, but her nurturing nature is especially evident when the family welcomes foster animals into their home.

Over the years, they have fostered dozens of cats and kittens. Gracie becomes excited whenever she realizes a new animal has arrived, but she quickly settles into an almost motherly role.

Frightened kittens soon learn that they are safe with her. They climb across her, curl up beside her and play around her while Gracie remains calm, loving and patient. Because many of the kittens will eventually be adopted into homes with other pets, their time with Gracie teaches them that dogs can be kind and trustworthy companions.

Through her peaceful presence, she helps build their confidence and prepares them for successful transitions into their forever homes.

Gracie has recently taken on another very important role as a patient and protective big sister to the family’s one-year-old son, Jameson.

She is almost always nearby, keeping a watchful eye on him. Over the past year, the family has collected countless memories of Gracie quietly lying beside his bassinet, following him through the house as he learned to crawl and sitting in his nursery as he babbled away, almost as though she were participating in the conversation.

She has patiently allowed him to climb on her and tug at her ears, always responding with her trademark gentleness.

As Gracie begins to slow down and more gray appears around her muzzle, her family treasures the opportunity to watch their friendship develop. They can already see how deeply Jameson and Gracie love one another, and they know that bond will continue to become even more special as he grows.

Gracie loves anything with a squeaker, but her greatest adventures usually involve water. She would happily spend an entire day running through a creek, splashing along the shoreline or jumping into a cool lake for a swim.

Some of her family’s favorite destinations include Tanyard Creek Nature Trail in Bella Vista and the trail at Village on the Creeks, especially when the outing includes a stop at Natural State Beer Company.

Closer to home, Gracie and fellow family dog Oliver enjoy their neighborhood walks and always make time to stop and greet their neighbor’s dog, Piko, who is also a rescue.

From comforting her family and welcoming foster animals to watching over Jameson and greeting friends around the neighborhood, Gracie has filled her home with kindness, patience and unconditional love. What began as a temporary foster placement became something much greater.

Gracie did not simply find a home. She became the heart of it.