A couple held a farewell party for a sick dog (3 photos + 1 video)
A Los Angeles couple turned their farewell to their terminally ill dog into a touching public display of affection. They took 11-year-old Gracie on her favorite route along Sunset Boulevard, calling it "the best last day of her life." 
Gracie came into Michael Brook's life in 2020, initially as a foster dog. But, as his 34-year-old Kathleen Ives recalls, parting with her proved impossible. Over time, Gracie became his faithful companion, and later, part of his small family when Kathleen entered their lives.
Their lives took a turn for the worse when Gracie suddenly lost consciousness. After 24 hours at the veterinary clinic, the couple received a devastating diagnosis: aggressive cardiac hemangiosarcoma with metastases. This is a rare and insidious type of cancer that is often detected too late, specifically after internal bleeding and fainting.
The doctors managed to stabilize the dog, giving the owners two more precious days together. Realizing that time was running out, the couple decided to do something special for Gracie. 
Gracie's favorite things to do were stroll along Sunset Boulevard, pop into coffee shops and stores, and receive attention from passersby. She loved being petted and would even whine if anyone passed by.
The owners placed her in a wagon lined with blankets and attached a sign that read, "Gracie's best last day ever. Please pet me." Their route began at the first coffee shop Michael had taken her to the day she became his dog.
The walk quickly turned into something more. People stopped every few meters to pet Gracie, talk, and ask questions. Some strangers ran after her, just to touch her gray muzzle. Some brought gifts, and one woman, who also has an elderly dog, bought Gracie a bouquet of roses. 
According to Kathleen, the walk was filled with tears, smiles, and a surprising sense of warmth. Strangers saw Gracie as their own pets, and this created a small, unexpected community of compassion around her.
