Losing Our Lucy

Tuesday morning I wanted to run.  I needed to run to clear my head after the evening’s turn of events, but I also wanted to be here when my daughters woke up.  I knew they would ask about Lucy and I wanted to be here to hold them when we delivered the sad news.

Our dog, Lucy, passed away on Monday evening.  There were no signs that the end was near.

We explained to the girls that Lucy was older than we thought and sometimes older dogs (much like older people) have strokes when the end is near.  It’s just their bodies breaking down and telling them it’s time to go.

We adopted Lucy one year ago.  Less than two weeks ago, we celebrated the anniversary of her adoption into our family.  I never wanted a dog but after repeated begging from my children and against my better judgment, I agreed to a pet.  So we searched the shelters for a Pomeranian similar to the one we rescued.

We eventually found Lucy on Craigslist, which was as shady and strange as you would imagine a pet adoption through Craigslist to be.  With blind faith, we took the previous owner’s word about her health as well as her age, but it was certainly obvious that this poor dog had been used as a puppy mill.

This dog that I never wanted wagged her fluffy little tail into my heart.  She followed me from room to room like a pack leader and was with me every minute of every day.  Lucy became my dog.  I eventually transformed into a crazy dog person as I began taking Lucy shopping and to restaurants and baked her pupcakes.

I keep playing moments in my head, like Liam hugging Lucy and dragging half her tiny body along the floor as he loved on Lucy.  I regret never catching a photo of those funny loving, but torturous moments for poor Lucy.

I also regret not praying with my children at bedtime Monday night.  Instead, I made jokes to lighten the mood and to fill their hearts with happiness so they wouldn’t worry all night long about our beloved pet.  But, I should have prayed with them to help ease Lucy’s pain as well as the pain they were feeling in their hearts.  I feel I failed them as a mom and as their spiritual leader.  I feel I failed my Father and Lucy too.

Like most dogs, Lucy had simple tastes and loved life.  Everyone should learn to love life through the eyes of a dog.  Next to the food dropped from a highchair, she loved Chinese food.  Lucy also loved being outdoors, long walks and car rides.  She even loved camping with us.

Although we didn’t know much about Lucy when we adopted, we simply loved her.  I believe we gave her the best last year of her life.

We miss you, Lucy.

Rest in peace.

23 comments

  1. Stacy Uncorked says:

    Awwwww! I’m so sorry for your loss! And you did not fail your Father or Lucy – you gave her such love and joy during her time with you. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers – losing a precious pet is so very sad, because they are part of your family. Rest easy knowing she’s happy across that Rainbow Bridge – and I bet my buddy Elvis is keeping her company. ((HUGZ!!))

    Knock-Off vs. Genuine Hunger Games

  2. Lori says:

    OK The whole blog made me sad for you. BUT the last two photos made me tear up. Seeing Lucy in your family photos as a family member. Pets truly are members of our families. It is why it makes us soo sad when we lose them. They brighten our days,comfort us, clean our floors, entertain our children, even make moves with us. I am soo sorry you lost a part of your family. You know I will be saying lots of prayers for you. And you did not fail as spiritual leader at all. You can still pray for Lucy and for each other as you go through this time of sadness.
    Sending you love and prayers.

  3. Kate says:

    I’m so so sorry you lost Lucy!! Pets really are family members, and having lost too beloved collies, I know the pain of losing a dog….it’s awful!

  4. Lauren @ Hobo Mama says:

    Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m tearing up looking at her sweet pictures. I love how proudly she was posing with you as part of your family. You absolutely made the end of her life special. Helping kids navigate the loss of a pet is really hard, but it sounds like you’re being the best support through it all.

  5. Elaine A. says:

    Oh, I am so sorry she is gone. What wonderful pictures and memories of her that you will always have. But I know you just miss HER. Thinking of you all… xo

  6. chasingthekenyans says:

    lucy was lucky to find such a great family to live her last year with. she died peaceful and happy after what was probably a tough life for a little pup. i hope the kids are doing ok! 🙁

  7. ricoleruns says:

    Oh my gosh I am so so so SO sorry. Lucy was so lucky to get to spend a year of her life with you and I’m sure it was the best year of her life. This post made me cry, I hate to think about my own pup’s mortality and that he is now considered a “senior”. How are your kids handling it? Thinking about you!

  8. bzmomma says:

    So sorry for your loss…I don’t think you failed anyone…you did the best you could – all around, for everyone…at least from what I’ve read in this post…hope your pain eases soon…

    • Run DMT says:

      Oh my word! That is AWFUL! I can’t even imagine that! Bless. Thank you for taking the time to read Lucy’s story and leaving a comment. xox

  9. mamalacy says:

    Oh, Denise — i’m late to this post but it made me cry…. I am so sorry for the loss of Lucy, but I believe you are right. You gave her the best year of her life.

  10. mamalacy says:

    Hope this goes through — have tried three times and it doesn’t like me.

    What I want to say is this:

    I know I am late to this post but it broke my heart just the same. I am so sorry for the loss of Lucy, Denise, and I believe you are absolutely right — you definitely gave her the best year of her life.

    Hugs, Mama.

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