Adopting a dog is like finding hidden treasure.  It’s not until we bring them home and look inside that we come to know the true gift they are.  – Katy McQuaid

In honor of National Adopt-a-Dog Day I share the following. As you know from Grace’s stories, she came to live with me in Denver, CO when she was four years old.

Treasure, trea·​sure | \ ˈtre-zhər

Definition: a person (or dog) who is greatly loved or valued especially because of being very helpful.  Merriam Webster

It warms my heart to know that Grace’s life lessons are helping to make a better world. Everybody Loves Grace: A True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Pennsylvania was awarded the 2020 Nautilus Book’s Silver Award for Children’s Illustrated Fiction.

Through Grace’s eyes we learn about the importance of doing what we want to do in life and not putting off the things on our bucket list. In addition, Grace shares about the importance of preparing for life’s special events and also being flexible when changes are necessary.

Of course, this special recognition is only possible because of our amazing team. Thank you to illustrator Susan Lavalley Weaver, graphic layout Megan Leid, editors Mel Cohen, Tracy Johnson, Linda Hartley, Dean Bernard and Maryann Hrichak. Website and social media experts Robert Staddon and Lindsey Kotik.

We celebrate this wonderful news together.

We are so grateful. Lovingly, Katy and Grace

Today was a fun day for Mommy and me! Did you know that we reached over 2000 page likes on Facebook today? We are are so grateful for all our wonderful friends and family who follow my adventures and life lessons on Facebook and Instagram.

It makes me smile when I think of all the friends I’ve made since the Everybody Loves Grace book series began.

Much Love, Grace

I don’t often take the time to mention how amazing Grace is on our road trips. Well, she is truly, very special.

We just got home from our most recent road trip adventure to Washington, DC that began from our home in Denver on November 9, 2020. We didn’t plan to be gone for four months but there were many twists and turns to our schedule and through it all, Grace was simply amazing. I think she earned the title of Road Warrior.

No matter how long we drove in the car, or how many homes and hotels we stayed in, Grace was always ready to smile and let people know they are loved. We set all kinds of personal records on this trip: 3800 miles, four months of travel and stayed in 10 different locations.

I know I am happy to be home and I think Grace is too. We are so grateful for all the friends and family we got to see on our trip. Also, we never take it for granted that the journey is a safe one. We are grateful to be home safely.

We look forward to sharing the life lessons in our next book, Everybody Loves Grace: A True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Washington, DC.

Take Care, Katy

Some days I feel like the luckiest dog on earth. Today as I was walking with Mommy in the sleet and freezing rain, one of the neighbors opened her garage door to say hello to me. She was worried that I was cold, and she wanted to be sure Mommy and I were okay.

Eleanor lives down the street from Grandma Joan and she used to help care for Tinto when he visited a long time ago. It’s nice to meet some of the people who knew and remember Tinto. I think he loved the snow as much as I do.

Lovingly, Grace

Or maybe I should call this blog “what I learned in 2020.” In a year that brought many changes, challenges and uncertainty, there was opportunity for growth, resilience and kindness. You know, kindness really matters to me.

I sat by the fire last night with Mommy and asked her to share my tips for 2021. I hope you enjoy them.

1. The time is now – just do it
2. Appreciate everything and don’t take things for granted
3. Have compassion for everyone…even for people who see things differently
4. Staying home more keeps the hearth warm
5. I know even if I don’t hear well

Lovingly,
Grace

It’s hard to believe Christmas is here. Where did the year go? As we finish a year unlike any other, we wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Much like when baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem under a bright star, we think about hope. When Christ was born, so was our hope. That’s why we love Christmas and we love you.

Katy and Grace

We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and let you know how grateful we are for each of you. Thank you for supporting the Everybody Loves Grace series and spreading Grace’s messages of love and kindness.

We look forward to every new day and more adventures.

Lovingly, Katy & Grace

I can’t wait. Mommy started making a pile of my things so I know our road trip is coming soon. She even washed the car yesterday and took it to the shop for a maintenance check! Meanwhile, Mommy is also busy mailing out my newest book to people who ordered them on our website.

If you are interested in following along on our road trip, please follow us at Everybody Loves Grace on Facebook or EverybodyLovesGrace_books on Instagram. I’ll be sure keep you informed of what we are doing along the way.

I look forward to sending you updates and keeping in touch while I’m on the road.

Lovingly, Grace

I’m excited to tell you that Mommy and I will be traveling to Koziar’s Christmas Village again. We will be signing my newest book, Everybody Loves Grace: A True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Pennsylvania. I can’t wait for the road trip AND for you to read the book where I share important life lessons. They include making sure to do the things on your bucket list and don’t put off the things you want to do in life.

“Everybody Loves Grace” Loves Koziar’s

Mommy and I will be signing books on Saturday the 21st of November. Hopefully if you are in the area of Koziar’s Christmas Village you can join us.

Lovingly, Grace

I’m going on a road trip in a couple of weeks. Do you want to know why? Well, Mommy and I are heading to Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, Pennsylvania. We will be signing Book 5 in the Everybody Loves Grace series on November 21st. Everybody Loves Grace: A True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Pennsylvania is a very fun Christmas-time story.

I’ll be sharing more details as we prepare for our trip, but I wanted you to know the book is available for pre-sale on my website. Mommy and I will start mailing the books out on 15 October 2020.

I hope you will join me on my latest adventure to Pennsylvania. I will be sharing more life lessons to include why I think it’s important to do the things on your bucket list.

Lovingly, Grace

Summer is supposed to be over by now and somehow it still feels like summer in Denver. The sun is shining bright and the days are very warm. I try to stay in the shade of the trees during my afternoon walks with Mommy.

I went for a hike with Mommy and friends in the mountains on Sunday. Some of our friends didn’t realize my fourth book was published in June 2020. So, I thought I’d remind you that Everybody Loves Grace: A True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Utah is available for purchase on my website at www.everybodylovesgrace.com.

The Utah adventure includes uplifting new insights for readers of all ages:

* Going places with “just the girls” is empowering.
* People and places change over time so, even when we visit a place we’ve been before, it’s always a new adventure.
* Have courage to do the things you want do.

Lovingly, Grace

I just got home from an amazing adventure to Sedona, AZ and Western Colorado. I learned a lot of new things and thought I’d share some of them with you.

1. Always remember to breathe, especially when passing big trucks on the highway
2. Essential supplies especially during Covid – a roll of toilet paper and water
3. Rise and shine early to beat the heat
4. The best naps in summer are on a cool tile floor
5. Do your own thing, whatever it takes (see my photo below)

Lovingly, Grace

Isn’t this summer just different? Well, I think so too and want to share with you some tips for beating the Covid blues:

1. Get up and stretch a really BIG stretch EVERY morning
2. Do at least one nice thing for someone else – I roll on my side and let my neighbors pet my belly
3. Enjoy the simple things like finding a shady spot under a tree and enjoying the cool grass
4. Love when Mommy brushes my teeth and reads me a bedtime story
5. Say thank you to my comfortable bed before I jump in it and go to sleep

A fun thing to do this summer is join Mommy on Facebook live (Everybody Loves Grace) for Storytime starting on Monday at 1000MDT. She is going to read my latest book, Everybody Loves Grace: An Amazing True Story of Grace’s Adventure to Utah. I hope you will join me. Lovingly, Grace

We are excited about the release of our latest book. Order your copy today and follow us on our adventure to Utah!
Love, Grace & Katy

This blog article just about sums it up. Everyday is an adventure, kindness matters and being present with people is the best gift I can give. Lovingly, Grace

I want to share an interview that my mommy did just the other day. She was interviewed about my first book, Everybody Loves Grace, which was recently honored with the Nautilus Book Silver Award for Children’s Illustrated Fiction.

I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did:  https://vimeo.com/420400270

In case you were wondering, I was sitting on the floor right next to Mommy during the interview. We had a lot of fun.

Lovingly, Grace

Everybody Loves Grace: An Amazing True Story of How Grace Brings Love to Everyone She Meets was awarded the Silver Nautilus Book Award. Better Books for a Better World is what Nautilus Book Awards are all about!

Grace truly has a story and she wants children and parents to know we can make a difference through simple acts of kindness.

Thanks to all of you, our biggest supports. We are so grateful for you.

Lovingly, Katy and Grace