A tribute to a dog who touched countless lives and left a trail of cherished memories.
Born May 16, 2017, Gracie Maize was more than a therapy dog who regularly visited Concordia University Ann Arbor—she was a best friend, a colleague, a cherished pet, and a beacon of joy to so many. Along with her owner, Karen Baker, Gracie Maize was an integral part of CUAA’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for six years, beginning in September 2019.
When Karen publicly shared the news of Gracie Maize’s passing on Sept. 5, 2025, she received an overwhelming response—not only from friends and family but also from Concordians, some she had never met.
Hundreds of people offered condolences, leaving comments like, “I’m so sorry. Gracie Maize was such a special dog. She helped Leah so much…” and “Keeping you and your family in my prayers. The good Martin Luther reportedly said, ‘Be thou comforted, little dog. Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail.’”
One response in particular that meant a lot to Karen came from CUAA student Leah Kamman—a current CUW senior majoring in the Elementary/Middle Education with a Lutheran Teaching Degree—who wrote: “Praying for you and your family! I hope you know how much you and Gracie impacted my college career.”
Karen and Gracie Maize were involved with so many people over the years. However, Karen with tears in her eyes said, “There was no doubt in my mind that her most enjoyable place was Concordia.”
Gracie Maize’s Legacy
In her first year, Gracie Maize joined “Wellness Wednesday” on the first Wednesday of each month. She and Karen would stand outside or in front of the chapel to greet students.
Over time, her presence became highly sought after. She attended chapel regularly, visited classrooms, and showed up at campus events. “By the end,” Karen said with a smile, “we went everywhere.”
There are countless stories in which Gracie Maize showed extra attention to people with visible signs of pain. She would especially hone in on those in casts or braces. According to Karen, she seemed to want to help them heal by offering her unconditional love.
“Once when we were leaving chapel, Gracie Maize gave extra attention to a female student who had her arm in some kind of support,” Karen recalled. “She was especially focused on the student’s arm and hand, to the point that I had to tell her to step back. But the student appreciated the attention and even said she felt like crying from Gracie Maize’s love.”
She loved the students and they loved her. Her impact at CUAA was all-encompassing.
“Gracie Maize brought so much solace and joy to the students, faculty, and staff at CUAA,” said Kara Alfano, CUAA academic advisor. “The mutual love between Gracie Maize and the CUAA community was evident every week, with Gracie Maize excitedly being surrounded by dozens of individuals who adored her.”
Gracie Maize continued visiting CUAA until her cancer diagnosis this fall. Her last day on campus was Aug. 25.
Beyond CUAA
Gracie Maize was a character with a playful sense of humor. She was a therapy dog, comfortable being herself—picking up acorns to eat, carrying sticks, giving licks when requested, and even peeking into students’ backpacks. She was so at ease that she once jumped onto an administrative assistant’s desk, placing her paw down as if to say hello.
She also held many public roles, including:
- Serving for six years as the official therapy dog for CUAA
- Visiting other college campuses
- Maintaining a regular presence in nursing homes like The Gilbert Residence, and visiting hospice patients at various locations—she always knew when someone was dying
- Attending school and library reading programs
- Comforting people at Ele’s Place—a healing center for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families
In the end, Gracie Maize was many things to many people, with a calling far beyond her home. She will be deeply missed—especially by the Concordia community.
Sam’s story
CUAA alumnus Sam Botzum—who knew Gracie Maize for all four years—shared his impactful memory:
“Gracie Maize has been such a blessing in my life at Concordia. I always looked forward to seeing her every Wednesday afternoon. She helped me through some tough times at school, especially when my mom was diagnosed with leukemia a few years ago. She was so sweet and truly a highlight in every student’s life.”
Leah’s story
CUW senior Leah Kamman shares her moving story:
“Gracie Maize had a great impact on my time at CUAA. Entering my freshman year, I was very anxious because I was five hours away from home for the first time. I was also leaving behind my family dog, who had brought me so much comfort and joy. However, this anxiety went away when I met Gracie Maize. She truly brought me joy every Wednesday when she was on campus. It always made me smile when she recognized me and started wagging her tail as she ran toward me. I will truly miss her presence, but I am so grateful that she was part of my college journey!”
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. The CUAA campus continues to offer a route to a Lutheran Teacher Diploma to help equip Lutheran K-12 schools nationwide with qualified workers. In the near future, Concordia will look to reintroduce additional church work training opportunities in Ann Arbor by building a new vision and model for the undergraduate degree programs here.
Click here to view a full list of the programs Concordia will retain in Ann Arbor. Click below to schedule a visit with an Admissions team member.