Book Review: Amazing Gracie

Amazing Gracie was a treat to read–especially as a small business owner.  Not only is it a story about an amazing Great Dane named Gracie but it is tale of two  men that built a business around her and her needs.  Dan and Mark were two men who lived together, went through their daily grinds hoping that one day they would be inspired to start their own business together.

Mark has two dogs of his own who weren’t too happy when Gracie comes home to live.  Gracie comes into Dan’s life when he is down and lonely after losing his best friend, Blue. The entire story seemed to be based on coincidences.  The Dane  was going to be put down by the breeder who called her the “little mistake” because she is an albino and deaf.  It was love and first site and Gracie is now Dan’s new dog.

The rest of the story is  funny, sad, inspiring, and full of love.  It is how one dog that would not eat, causes her father to start cooking for her even though he doesn’t even know what a sifter is. One thing leads to another and a business is born, Gracie is now famous and the two men are happier then ever!

After the Wall Street Journal writes an article about their business, they are on Oprah and countless other National Shows. The book is filled with funny stories of how Gracie handled her stardom. Of course Gracie ages in the book and Great Danes do not live as long as other dogs so they have to get a “replacement” for her since their business image is all about an albino Great Dane.  So then Claire comes into all of their lives and Gracie takes her on like she is her daughter.  Gracie is Claire’s new mentor.  We all know how almost EVERY dog book ends but this book is very sweet, touching and teaches people that it is ok to take a chance on dogs that may not be perfect.  They may just teach you a thing or two and change your life!