Gracie, lab mix, provides companionship to Embody co-chairperson

Owning a dog as a college student can be a difficult undertaking, but Sarah Leck also knows the experience can be very meaningful.

The junior journalism major’s journey with her dog, Gracie, began Christmas Eve.

“I have two dogs at home, and I’ve wanted a dog since I’ve been at school. She was a complete surprise from my boyfriend,” she said.

Her boyfriend, senior Colin McDowell, said he knew Leck always wanted a dog, so he went to the Animal Protection Society of Durham and went through the adoption process.

“I looked for a dog that responded well and seemed energetic,” he said.

He narrowed it to two dogs, and after interacting with them both in the shelter, he brought Gracie to her forever home.

Gracie is a lab mix and estimated to be around 18 months old. While walking on campus with Leck, she’s excited, alert and very friendly.

“It’s easy to make friends on campus with her,” she said.

During the interview, seven people asked to pet Gracie, to which Leck agreed.

Leck is a part-time student, so she said she is able to spend plenty of time with Gracie.

“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “Having someone depend on you is hard, but it’s good and really rewarding.”

While it may be hard, she said having a dog gives her structure to her day.

“I have struggles with mental illness, and knowing that when I come home that there’s someone depending on me that I have to take care of has been really validating,” she said. “And she’s helped me establish a better routine; I need to get up to feed her and help her.”

Leck is the co-chairperson of Embody Carolina, which raises awareness for and reduces stigmas around eating disorders.

“We brought (Gracie) to an event, and she had on an Embody T-shirt,” Leck said. “This girl walked up and said, ‘Oh my god, she’s in a T-shirt,’ and she started crying.”

Despite the responsibilities of owning Gracie, Leck said she brings her just as much joy.

“She’s doofy, definitely. She’s a weird dog,” she said. “I think everyone thinks their dog is weird, but this dog is definitely weird.”

Gracie loves her toys and even often throws them for herself. When Gracie plays with Leck’s boyfriend, she will throw the toy for him to fetch.

Caitlin Rose, one of Leck’s roommates, said Gracie is very hyper.

“She has a ton of energy, which can be a little crazy at times, but she’s so fun to be around,” she said.

Leck said Gracie has made her happier.

“I was meant to have a dog in college and I was meant to have this dog,” she said.

“She fits right in and I’m really lucky that I have her.”

arts@dailytarheel.com