The Story of Grady

Duke has given me, his mom, permission to update his blog tonight. We have more sad news to share, but we feel it’s important to tell you the story of a dog with the heart of a dragon.

Grady Foster Baker, beloved Airedale Terrier companion of Larry & Linda Baker, has gone to the Rainbow Bridge after a long and valiant battle against cancer. Grady lived with the Bakers for four human years, which is almost the equivalent of 28 years in a dog's life. He arrived at their house to be a temporary foster dog, but he won their hearts and was officially adopted into the family almost immediately.

When Grady came to Larry & Linda, he was afraid of children and had never been socialized to other dogs. During his lifetime with the Bakers, he went through obedience training as well as becoming a service dog to help Linda during her fibromyalgia flares. Grady walked in the Mobile St. Patrick's Day Parade three years in a row and was always cheered by the crowds.

Visits to LSU for chemotherapy didn't daunt Grady; instead of being assigned to a kennel like the other patients, the staff made him a bed in the middle of the nursing area. He was beloved by everyone he met and towards the end of his life, he was able to meet children of all sizes and ages without problem.

Thank you to everyone who was Grady's friend, and who helped him with his training. Larry and Linda are mourning and the days ahead will be hard as they adjust to their quiet house. We will miss kissing the blond curls on the top of his head, and laughing with him as he rode in the car, with his face turned to the wind.

 Larry and Linda gave Grady an enriched, love filled life that more than overcame his past. He was a happy, adventurous, contrary Airedale Terrier to the end.

Rest in Peace, Grady. And thank you for everything.