Gracie the Dog Makes a Jail Break

Finds Home and Freedom in Early Retirement at Alexian Village

Two-year-old, golden retriever and yellow lab mix Gracie went from an animal shelter in Ohio to spending seven weeks in prison. She now lives at Alexian Village, a supportive living community for seniors, where she is free to roam in her new home. Gracie has over 100 senior citizen owners and a doggie playmate too at the retirement community located at 975 Martha, Elk Grove Village.

Gracie traveled a rough path to early retirement at Alexian Village, but the journey was well worth the final destination.

After being dropped off at an animal shelter by a family who could no longer care for her (an increasingly common sign of the times), Gracie underwent a unique training program at a correctional facility to help make her easier to adopt. Gracie moved into a jail cell with an inmate named Gregory. For seven weeks, Gregory, who was chosen for and rewarded with participation in this elite program, trained Gracie. Gracie mastered basic commands such as “sit, stay, heel, down and come;” she learned “no” and how to walk on a leash. Plus, Gracie’s inmate trainer enjoyed the canine companionship and opportunity to make a difference in this dog’s troubled life.

After “doing time,” Gracie joined the ranks of several other dogs that are a part of DesPlaines-based Pathway Senior Living’s innovative “See Spot Retire” program. The program, which encourages and facilitates dog adoptions at Pathway-owned senior communities throughout the Chicago area, connects canines, young and old, with senior citizens to help enrich their retirement years. The pets enjoy “a dog’s life” with their senior owners, and the program offers residents the many known benefits of pet relationships including: reduced blood pressure; increased relaxation; stress relief; ease of pain; increased activity; better overall morale; help coping with illness, loss and depression; decreased isolation; increased communication; opportunities for touch and contact; and better physical and mental health.

Ruth Ann Peters, the Executive Director of Alexian Village, travelled to Ohio to pick up Gracie and bring her to her new home at Alexian Village. Ruth Ann learned of Gracie’s situation from her sister, who lives in Ohio and knew of Gracie’s unique history. “I picked Gracie up on my birthday,” said Ruth Ann. “She was like a present to me and all the residents at Alexian Village.”

Gracie is a 50-pound gift of unconditional love. The residents love to spend time with Gracie, petting her, playing with her and taking walks together.

Alexian Village of Elk Grove, a supportive living community, provides quality residential accommodations, amenities, meals, social activities, personal care, support services and financial assistance for seniors age 65 and older. For more information about Alexian Village or Pathway Senior Living’s “See Spot Retire” program, please call 847-437-8070.