Terminally Ill Dog Showered with Love on Last Day

Gracie, a pitbull mix, spent her final day being pulled in a wagon along Sunset Boulevard as passersby stopped to pet her and offer treats.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Gracie, a terminally ill 11-and-a-half-year-old pitbull mix, was given a heartwarming farewell by her owners and strangers in Los Angeles a day before she passed away. Video shows Gracie being pulled in a small wagon along Sunset Boulevard with a sign that read 'Gracie's Best Last Day Ever! Please pet me,' as passersby stopped to pet her and offer treats like burgers and ice cream.

Why it matters

The story highlights the compassion of strangers and the importance of making the most of a pet's final days, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. It also underscores the deep bond between pets and their owners.

The details

Gracie's owners, Kathleen Ives, said the farewell almost didn't happen when Gracie "collapsed suddenly with no prior signs the day before." However, they "were very lucky she was able to muster enough energy to be released and be able to have one best last day ever." Ives said Gracie's favorite activity was walking up and down Sunset Boulevard and "getting pets and attention from strangers," which is why her farewell was organized there.

  • Gracie died comfortably in her own home surrounded by love on December 5, 2025.
  • The farewell took place the day before Gracie passed away.

The players

Gracie

An 11-and-a-half-year-old terminally ill pitbull mix dog.

Kathleen Ives

Gracie's owner who organized the farewell for her along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“She absolutely soaked it up. I couldn't think of a better way to have her spend her last day. She seemed so at peace. It healed our hearts too, more than we realized.”

— Kathleen Ives, Gracie's owner (USA TODAY)

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder to cherish the time we have with our beloved pets and to find meaningful ways to honor them, even in their final days. Gracie's farewell along Sunset Boulevard showcased the power of compassion from strangers and the deep bond between pets and their owners.