Lucy joined my family during the summer of 2000, when I was just 11 years old. I remember the day my stepmom, Sherry, brought her home. She was such a cute little puppy – all head and all butt, as my brother described her. From day one, Lucy showed us what an independent and spunky girl she was.
She was also fearless. One of the craziest Lucy stories would be the time she killed a snake. I wasn’t there to see it, but Sherry said that she found Lucy in the backyard covered in blood. She immediately thought Lucy had hurt herself and checked her over for wounds. When she didn’t find any, she was confused… until Lucy went back out into the yard and returned with a dead snake hanging from her mouth.
Over the years, my family had a handful of other dogs in addition to Lucy. No matter their sizes, Lucy always made sure they knew she was the boss. This wasn’t a problem until just a few years ago. Unfortunately, Grace, one of my dad and Sherry’s other dogs, eventually got tired of being bossed around by little Lucy, so she started trying to dominate Lucy. Because Grace was much larger, the confrontations didn’t go very well for Lucy. For Lucy’s own protection and safety, my parents asked Bobby and me if we would be willing to take her into our home so she could safely live out her golden years. She officially joined our family on December 24, 2015.
While I was sorry to hear that Lucy and Grace weren’t getting along, I can’t say that I’m sorry we had to take Lucy in. We were unsure of how things would go at first because Lucy had never been around cats before, but we quickly saw that wasn’t going to be a problem. Lucy assimilated into our family with no issues. Within no time, she was just “one of the cats,” and I couldn’t imagine our family without her.
As I said, Lucy got along with the cats very well. She loved running back and forth down the hallway with them when they had the “zoomies.” She also loved to be right in the middle of things when they were playing. She was never quite sure how to play with them though. Whenever Bobby and I would play STICK with the cats, Lucy would be right in the middle of the game, just sitting there. The cats would be running around, even leaping up into the air and sometimes landing right on top of Lucy. I would try to move her out of the line of fire, but she would just move right back into the middle of the game and sit. She loved it.
Lucy was also incredibly intelligent. She lost her hearing quite a few years ago, but she quickly learned our family’s made-up hand signals for her. She also figured out that I would give her treats every time she came inside from going to the bathroom. She would sometimes ask to be let outside, only to immediately ask to come back in… so she could get her treats. I always obliged. I figured she was already 16, 17, 18 years old, so why not give her anything she wanted.
One of Lucy’s favorite things was sitting on the end table in our living room. It gave her the best vantage point to see out the front window and observe people coming and going. Bobby and I teach music lessons out of our home, so there is always a steady stream of people coming in and out of our house all afternoon. She would sit on the table and bark whenever someone pulled up. Then she would jump down, run to the front door to greet the new arrival, and then run back to her snoopervising spot to wait for the next person.
Right up until the end, Lucy was always up for an adventure. Whether it was taking a stroll through the park with one or two of our adventure cats or going for a boat ride down the St. John’s River, Lucy was game. If there was even a small chance of adventure, Lucy wanted in. In fact, it was just a few weeks ago that she went for a swim at Silver Glen Springs while we were visiting Bobby’s parents in Florida. Little did I know that would be her last adventure.
This past Friday was the day we had to say our final goodbyes to Lucy. It was hands-down one of the hardest days I’ve ever experienced. I’ve lost pets before, but this was the first time I had to be the one to make the decision to help one cross over the rainbow bridge. It was not an easy decision to make, to say the least. Even though I know it was the right thing to do and that Lucy’s time had come, I’m still having a difficult time accepting that.
Even within the 2.5 years that Bobby and I had Lucy, there were a handful of times that she had gotten sick and we thought the end might be near. However, she always bounced back and made a full recovery. She was like the Energizer bunny. So much so that I would often say that I thought Lucy was immortal. My dad even made the joke just recently that we should start grooming the next family generation to care for Lucy because she was going to outlive us all.
Because of Lucy’s propensity to recover from everything, when she developed a herniated disk early last week and lost control of one of her back legs, we thought she might be able to heal and recover from it. After a day of bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication from our vet, she appeared to improve greatly. However, late Thursday night she regressed and lost control of both back legs. It became clear that Lucy’s body had finally given out, and it was time for her to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.
Sherry came down from Atlanta, and the three of us spent a final morning with Lucy before taking her to the vet to say our goodbyes. We loved on her and shared fond memories as we watched Lucy gobble down a delicious final feast. Lucy suffered from chronic pancreatitis for several years, so she was on a very strict diet. She couldn’t eat anything outside of her low-fat, bland diet. But on Friday morning, she enjoyed a plate full of scrambled eggs, another plate full of hamburger meat, and two plates full of cheddar cheese. I’ve never seen her eat so much and so quickly in all my life!
After our vet helped Lucy to cross over the Rainbow Bridge, we brought her home and laid her to rest in our back yard beside Milton. Yesterday, Bobby and I created a mulched flower bed out of the area and plated three azalea bushes, one of which marks Lucy’s final resting place. We plan to add flowers and other plants to the bed as time goes by. While it certainly doesn’t lessen the pain of losing Lucy, creating the memorial garden served as a wonderful way to channel our grief into something productive.
I don’t know how long it will take to adjust to life without Lucy. She was my constant shadow, never wanting to be alone, always following me from room to room. It’s heartbreaking to look over at her favorite napping places and see them empty. To have one less bowl to fill at meal times. To come home and not have to let her outside. To not be able to give her belly rubs or treats. And I haven’t even thought about taking anyone out for an adventure. It just won’t be the same without Lucy.
I am grateful for the years we had with her though. 18+ years is one heck of a lifetime.
Summer says
I’m so sad that Lucy is gone – she was really such a special little dog. And you gave her such awesome adventures in the time you had her in your home. You were very lucky to get to have your childhood dog as a family member in your grown-up household for a couple of years. Few people get to have that.
Scylla, Fenris, Tuiren, YinYang & Chimera (ATCAD) says
Lucy had a wonderful life full of adventure and love. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy for your family as you adjust to life without her, although she will always live in your hearts and memories.
Brian Frum says
We are so very sorry to hear about dear Lucy, such a special girl who knew love and y’all gave her one heck of a happy life. Love and hugs from all of us.
Roberta says
What a beautiful tribute to Lucy. I was so sorry to hear about her crossing Rainbow Bridge. You gave her a wonderful life – full of adventure and love. Please know I share your pain.
Eastside Cats says
Farewell, Angel Lucy! You were loved to the moon and back.
Catatopia says
So sorry to hear about the loss of dear Lucy. She sounds like an amazing and sweet dog. The memorial garden is such a comforting idea. It also took me a long time to adjust after losing my latest cat, who was the quiet boss of the house. Hope all your wonderful memories of Lucy help you during this sad time.
Dalton/Angel-MrJackFreckles/Pipo & Angel-Minko says
Lucy, you will be loved and cherished forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved you…and a whole of of blogging furends, too.
That your pawrents made such a beautiful memorial garden is very special, it shows that their love to you and your fellow Angel Furblings is eternal.
Sending huge hugs and purrs and soft aroos.
(Petcretry sent you an email…)
Xaviere Chatagnier says
Lucy was a lucky dog to have found a loving family . She lived a long happy life because of the love and care you gave !
The energizer bunny was a great girl and we will all miss her .
da tabbies o trout towne says
Godspeed your journey to heaven Lucy; we send hugs and loves to mom, dad and your family.
Your garden is beautiful ~~~~~~~~~~ and so are you ♥♥♥♥♥♥
daisy, tuna, mackerull, dude, sauce and boomer
Stephanie says
This was beautiful. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can tell how much Lucy was loved and she clearly knew it too. My first cat that I’ve had since junior high will be 15 in August and I dread the day I have to say goodbye. I try to do everything I can to spoil her.
Random Felines says
what a wonderful tribute to a great friend. no matter how much time we have, it never seems like enough. it certainly sounds like she lived life to the fullest though and there is a lesson in that. purrs
Christy Paws says
We all love your tribute to Lucy and your beautiful garden is a wonderful idea. She was so lucky to be with you for her golden years and have such wonderful adventures. Sending you purrs.
Mary McNeil says
We were so sorry to read of Lucy’s passing yesterday. She certainly fit right in with your Adventure Crew. She will probably be going along in spirit with you anyway. Purrs.
The Island Cats says
We’re sorry to hear about Lucy. But you gave her the best life possible. You’re right…18 years is a great life…even though we want them to live forever. Sending you lots of comforting purrs and gentle headbutts.
Lisa says
Want to help ease your burden, but even when we know our loved ones are alive and well and living ‘just over the bridge’, it’s just not the same as holding and kissing them, is it? I’ll tell you this much for sure, they always find a way, sometimes showy, sometimes small and not so grand, but they ALWAYS find a way to stay in contact. You know the musical Mame, right? Well I used to sing to my first kitty, Kissy Cat, that song “You’re My Best Beau”. The weekend end he crossed I turned on my TV, just to see what’s on, and the movie version of Mame with Lucille Ball was on, and playing at exactly that point in the movie where she was sing that! Well, I lost it, but in a good way. We had this rug that our Sheltie Muffin would drop on. She would circle it 3 times (not 2, not 4, always 3) then drop with a loud ‘umf’. Shortly after she passed we were reading quietly in that room, no TV or radio. Plain as day, we heard that ‘umf'” We looked over our books to the rug, of course seeing nothing then looked at each other like “what just happened?!?!” I only tell you these to tell you, she’ll find away to let you know she’s ok and she loves you. Watch and see, it’ll happen – love knows no barriers at all!!
Karen says
What a wonderful tribute to a much loved member of the family, Lucy will always be with you, part of your angel circle, right next to Milton. Run free, beautiful girl!
Kitties Blue says
Emily, this was such a lovely memorial to Lucy. It was obvious how much she was loved. The photo near the end with Bobby is so precious. Your new garden area/memorial garden is wonderful. We honored Lucy yesterday on our Sunday Selfies post and added her to our Remembering Friends page. Continuing to send love and prayers as you grieve. Astrid sends lots of love and purrs and kisses to Sampy. XOCK, Janet, Tom, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
Joanne Hollidge says
what a lovely tribute to a sweet little girl. it is never an easy decision to make. my heart goes out to you…
ellen beck says
Run free Lucy… o love and be loved are the biggest goals in life and you achieved both gracefully.
Ellen Pilch says
Beautiful post for your sweet girl. I am so sorry for your loss. XO
The J-Cats says
That was such a beautiful tribute to Lucy. It made us all cry.
We are so sorry for your loss. But Lucy will always be with you, in your heart, as she watches over you from the Rainbow Bridge.
Run free, sweet Lucy.
The Dash Kitten Crew says
I am sorry to hear you lost Lucy, but what a life she had with you all. What an amazing girl!
Your post is s fitting celebration of the vibrant and exciting life of your amazing dog.
Teddy says
I am so very sad for your family’s loss….I’m sure all of you including the kitties miss Lucy’s presence – it’s like the air has left the room. It sounds like she had a PERFECT life – it’s the best gift we can give our fur babies in return for all the love they give us. Your memorial garden is beautiful and I’m sure while your hearts will ache for a long time, you will rest easier knowing you helped Lucy leave one beautiful life here with you to join all the other Angels watching over us from the Bridge. Sending you warm hugs of comfort………..
Love, Pam and Teddy too
Tamago says
I’m shocked and sad to hear sweet Lucy is gone.. She was a very lucky girl to have a loving home and family. Such a beautiful tribute. Love all the photos – her life with you was full of joy. Sending warm hugs xo
Monika says
Lucy had the best life. This is a lovely tribute.
So sorry for your loss 🙁
mommakatandherbearcat says
I am so sorry about Lucy. She had a long life that she seemed to enjoy every minute of – and she knew she was loved by her people and cats and what else can you really hope for … short of having our furbabies for a lifetime?
nanuk says
We send respect and gentle wooooos,
NukNuk & family
meowmeowmans says
Lucy was so special, and so well loved there with you. We are sorry she had to go to the Bridge, and send you purrs and prayers of comfort at this very sad time.
The Swiss Cats says
What a beautiful post for your sweet Lucy ! She had a wonderful life with you and your family. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs
The Feline Contingent says
It is never an easy decision to make, but sometimes it is the only one to make. Rest In Peace, Lucy. [sniff]
Debby (aka Cat Staff)
for The Feline Contingent