Gemma Louise Graham

In Loving Memory of Gemma Louise Graham (July 2013 – Nov. 20th 2024)

Gemma Graham was a perfect mix of Great Pyrenees, Golden Retriever, and unicorn. She gracefully departed this world after a truly glorious and far too short 11 years as our queen.

From the moment she entered our lives on September 27, 2013 — a mischievous, 7-week-old pup dropped into a stranger’s fenced yard and rescued from Nicholas County Humane Society — it was clear the moment we met her that she’d never be leaving. There was just something about her.

Gemma’s early years were a test of our fence and our ingenuity. The fence was merely a suggestion to her. No matter how hard we tried, on occasion, she’d scale, squeeze, and wriggle her way out, often to go on short solo tours of Kingwood. No amount of reinforcement could keep her contained for long if she had different ideas. Once free, she was as friendly as they come, especially to kids, whom she’d generously smother with kisses.

Her favorite thing in the world though, was taking a walk through town with us and her canine brother Wilson. She loved it so much that we didn’t dare say the word "walk" - we had to spell it. Whispering the word “walk, or trying to quietly get the leash would send her into a flurry of excitement, ready to dash out the door and soak in all the sights, smells, and adoration she knew was coming.

Gemma was incredibly brave – most of the time, but she did have her limits. Ceiling fans were her sworn enemy (we removed five from our home for her), along with smoke detectors, storms, and anything involving air compressors. We all worked around her quirks, and our neighbors kindly embraced her eccentricities.

Gemma loved her backyard, especially if it was snowing. We would often find her happily lying outside with snow collected on her fur. Winter was pure bliss to her.

Playing was never Gemma’s thing— even as a puppy, she had bigger priorities. From day one, she took on the role of house manager. She ran our home with quiet authority, a stoic demeanor, and a gaze that spoke volumes. She ensured routines were followed, snacks were dispensed on time, and everyone—humans, dogs, and Truman the cat —stayed in line. This included pawing at a person relentlessly if she wasn't getting enough pets. She wasn’t just a dog; she was the glue that held our family together.

Gemma had high standards for snacks. She had a culinary appreciation for American cheese, junky vanilla cream cookies and mac & cheese. She trained us to offer her choices from the treat drawer throughout the day — and we’d wait patiently for her to pick her selection as any well-trained human would.

She was a true leader, an unspoken mentor to all the foster dogs that came into our home. Whether puppies or full-grown, no dog ever challenged her quiet authority. She guided them, reassured them, and showed them the ropes as if each was her very own. In her time with us, she helped countless dogs settle into a life filled with love and care.

Gemma adored a full house. Socializing was her favorite sport, and she welcomed everyone with her signature sloppy kisses and a heart big enough for all. And anyone who visited our house never left empty-handed—they always took a little souvenir of her unicorn fur, which clung lovingly to clothes, furniture, and anything in between.

Gemma’s greatest gift was her ability to heal. Whether it was a bad day or a tragic event, she was always there to offer comfort. With her soulful eyes that seemed to see straight into your heart, she knew when we needed her most. A kiss, a snuggle, or just her quiet presence were all so comforting. She was our rock, our light, and our constant reminder that unicorn dogs exist. She quickly became the dog legends are made of.

To all the people over the years who stopped us on our walks to admire and love on Gemma, thank you. To the grade school children on the playground who would run to the fence and shout how pretty she was, thank you. She seemed to understand your kindness and strutted away with even more pep in her step.

To all of our family and friends, our vets at Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic, our amazing dog sitters James N Mary Ebbert, our wonderful groomer Carly Willis, Dr. Holt at The Next Ridge, and Almost Heaven Pet Cremations, thank you for caring for our sweet girl as if she were your own. Thank you for loving her, supporting her quirks, helping her live her absolute best life, and aiding Gemma in leaving us with all the dignity she deserved.

We promised Gemma when we adopted her that she’d never know a harsh word or suffering, and we held that promise until the end. When it was time for her to gain her wings, we let her go with a heart full of love and gratitude.

Thank you for the laughter, love, comfort, and endless joy you brought to our lives girl. You made our world a much better place. We’ll miss you forever.

Fly high, sweet Gemma.

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