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Amazing Grace the mule can kiss, hug -- and serve drinks!

Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 5:22 PM by Sarika Dani
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From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

I thought I had seen it all, until I saw Grace! This 3-year-old mule who is part quarter horse can do things that will make your jaw drop. And an if you are an animal lover like me, you will absolutely fall in love with her.

I heard about Grace from Oscar winner Robert Duvall who just finished making a movie with her. That's right -- she will soon be on the big screen in an upcoming film called "Get Low." He raved about Grace, saying she is the "smartest mule in America," so I went to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley to check out this amazing gal for myself, and I can tell you now, I was blown away!

Upon meeting her, Grace gave me a kiss, a hug, then put out a leg (that's her version of a handshake!). Amazing, huh? But wait, there's more: She then showed me she can play basketball, get the mail, ring a dinner bell, and she even paints! In fact, one of her masterpieces sold for $1,000 for charity. Of course she did a painting for us, and my producer Vivian Fel just shook her head in disbelief. Even Robert Duvall -- who stopped by to do an interview about her -- was still in amazement.

But aside from her her immense talent, she is the most loving, affectionate animal, and her owner/trainer Steve Foster is responsible for that. She is definitely part of the family -- as I found out at the end of the day -- when she served us all cold drinks at the bar! YES, the bar inside their home! I told you this Grace is truly AMAZING ...

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Jill, this really has nothing to do with your article....but I just love your animal stories and tear up practically every time I see one.  My question is (and I told you this hasn't anything to do with article) where can I get deer corn cheap?  I've been feeding the many deer that come to my land and it's breaking the bank!

Kris Klein, Peachtree City, GA (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 8:59 AM)

my mom is from shenandoah and she has never heard of this mule where is amazing grazefrom like a town.

Dawn (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:14 AM)

Dear Jill:  I had the immense pleasure of meeting Gracie and Steve last year at an Equine Extravaganza in Virginia.  I even got a kiss and a couple of good photographs.  I saw her again at a Field Day of the Past in Manakin-Sabot and I saw her again, along with Missy, the high-jumping mule at a Bull Riding competetion last saturday in Orange, VA.  She just gets more amazing each time.

E. Tobian, Richmond, VA (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:41 AM)

Here in the Shenandoah Valley, we all love Steve, Pam and the mules. It was amazing to see Grace on the today show. They have a website with photos and history @ www.stevesamazinggrace.com

Tammy, Front Royal, VA (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:30 AM)

I'm not surprised that Grace can show what all of us "mule" people already know!  MULES are super intelligent!  I've been involved with horses all my life but started riding mules because they are seemed so much more dependable in the mountains.  I'm so happy I did!  Not only have they proven more safe but also they have so much more personality than horses!  Count me in as trading my hay burner in for a true "hybrid" vehicle!!

Libby Woodson (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:10 PM)

WE HAVE WATCHED THIS MULE, FROM OUR FRONT DECK EVER  SINCE SHE WAS A BABY- YOU CANNOT BELIEVE JUST WHAT THESE ANIMALS CAN DO. THEY ARE SO FUN, FULL OF ENERGY AND EAGER. JUST LOVED TO HEAR THAT THIS SPECIAL ONE CAN DO SUCH 'AMAZING' STUFF.... GO FOR IT.

LOIS AND DALE PIERCE (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:38 PM)

I have a little baby Molly Mule and hope she is going to be another "Amazing Grace'.    Mules rock!!

Lynne Jones, Lagrange, GA (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 1:13 PM)

Hi What a great show especially since I know Steve and Gracie! They come to the AQHA trail ride. Didn't know that they were going to be on TV till this morning!! Way to go Steve and Gracie you both did a wonderful job, guess I will have to have a hoofprint of Gracie on a picture that I have now that she is a Star!!

Sharon Neuwiller Cordova, Md. 21625 (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 4:48 PM)



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