When I got back on Friday the 12th from about a week and half away from home, Lucy greeted me in typical fashion, like she was still a puppy, jumping up and being very excited. But that evening as she slept and rested in front of the TV, it became clear that she wasn’t feeling so well. She had been finicky about her food in recent weeks so I put it down to that. It had happened once before many years ago and once we changed her food she sprang back to normal. But this time she was 14 and the next morning she couldn’t be tempted to eat anything, not even peanut butter. Then when she tried to get up she was all wobbly and seemed disoriented. So I took her to the vet who determined that her stomach was full of blood and she had a tumor.
I’m grateful that the illness was short and the prognosis left no doubt that it was her time. And I’m really grateful that I got to see her act like a puppy one more time. It’s almost as if she waited for me to get back from my trip before letting go.
So now, here I am, alone. Of course there were many tears last weekend, but losing John just under two years ago puts the loss of Lucy in perspective. She lived a full, fantastic life. And while I am still getting used to not having her here to keep me company, I’m coping quite well.
We got her in 2010 just about five months after we bought our house with a big back yard. She loved that back yard. She was the opposite of an escape artist. If I let her off the leash in the front yard she would run around to the back gate so she could run around her backyard.
John adored Lucy. He would get so emotional at the prospect of her dying. For his sake, I dreaded the day that we would have to say goodbye. We had no idea she would outlive him.
Everyone thought she was a tall Corgi, but according to her DNA she had no Corgi in her and was 34% German Shepherd.
Besides her gorgeously big ears, Lucy had the softest fur–especially on her head and ears. When we first got her, I was afraid if I pet her too much the softness would wear out. But it never did. After getting caught in the rain it would be extra soft.
Lucy hated water and only had a bath about twice a year. Unless she actually rolled in something foul, she never smelled bad. Sometimes her paws would smell like basmati rice (or pawsmati as we called it) or corn chips.
She was a bit of an introvert. She loved everyone she met, but she only wanted affection on her terms and she needed lots of time alone. In recent months she spent more and more time in proximity to me. Hanging out with me near my desk, or in front of the TV, and she loved spending the night in her crate which was right next to the bed.
If you use the search feature on this blog you can find about 13 years worth of cute Lucy pictures. These are all more or less from the past few years.
Farewell sweet girl. I will never forget you.
hogglestock 
She was such a cutie. So very sorry for your loss. ❤️
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so so sorry….I loved every Lucy story and picture throughout the years…thank you for sharing her with us. Sending all my love to you as always (even though I don’t know u, feel like I do since u been so generous with your readers)
quinn
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I’m so sorry, what a blow. I’m very glad it was quick with no hard decisions or distressing decline, and that you both got that puppy-like greeting. Much love from over here.
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I am so very sorry to read this. But what a sweet tribute to your dear Lucy. Hugs, even though we are strangers.
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This makes me so sad. Having lost beloved pets after so many years of life. Happy they had wonderful homes and happy lives, sad to say goodbye. We have a Japanese maple tree in our yard. When we lose one of our dear furry friends we hang a small bell on a branch. From the last 35 years we have 7 bells in the tree now. When I sit out at night with Ollie and Peannie in the dark the breeze passes through the trees and I can hear their tinkling. I still feel they are with me. Their ashes are now part of that tree. I hope at another time you will embrace another beautiful doggy soul and let them have the life they are waiting for.
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Lucy was the luckiest dog that day you and John chose her to be yours. What a life she’s had. Your posts about Lucy were always a bright spot and you’d laugh to know how often her sweet face came to mind whenever I saw a dog like her, although I’d never have guessed she was one third German Shepherd! Your tribute to her is beautiful, Thomas. Take care.
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So very sorry for your loss, Thomas. Both for Lucy, and John. They were both beautiful. And thank you, for sharing them with us. ❤️
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So sorry to read about the loss of your beautiful dog. I still miss the cat I lost last year every single day. Sad news.
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I met you and John briefly at Sissinghurt years ago and have checked in on you from time to time. My heart sunk today to see your headline, and immediately said, “No, not Lucy!” But what a perfect piece of writing, beautiful and elegant, with gorgeous pics of Lucy. You loved her well.
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