It’s been coming for a while now, but today we knew it was time to put Lucy to sleep. She has been on a fast slide over the last few months, and a neurological disorder that kept her legs from getting instructions made it nearly impossible for her to walk and made her incontinent. The last few days have been very hard for all of us.
Dr. Cesar came to our house to see her several times, and he took care of ending her life for us, too. He is very gentle and she went to sleep with us singing to her and petting her.
Lucy – aka Lulu or Lou was the first dog Paul and I got together. She came from a shelter – she’d been discovered in a house that was left vacant… she was extremely thin, but very sweet.
She became the matriarch of our Black Dog Farm, and Paul even designed the logo for the gate based on her likeness. She taught our Scottie, Angus the ropes – and later when Henry joined our pack she taught him, too. Angus died about 5 years ago of cancer, and she and Henry were best pals from then on. By the time Coco joined our pack this year she had backed off from most pack leader jobs, letting Henry teach Coco the rules of the house.
We are all in a bit of shock, we loved our Little Lulu (can you hear me crooning the Little Lulu song to her?) and hope she knows how much happiness she brought to our lives. Rest In Peace, Lucy.
Ingrid
December 29, 2010Our pets put their trust in us for everything so there is no harder decision than when to put them to sleep. They are our family and we are richer for having them in our lives. Lucy was a special dog who lived a good life and was lucky to have such a wonderful family. I know you are going to miss her a great deal but, sadly, it was time.
Cynthia & Mike
December 29, 2010Nancy and Paul – We are so sad to hear your news about Lucy. It sounds like she had a great life with you. Just know you’ll see her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Mexican Trailrunner
December 29, 2010Aw, Nancy, I’m so sorry. What an awesome life Lucy had tho! What a lucky Lulu she was. As said, it was time and it’s the kindest thing we can do.
Steve Cotton
December 29, 2010I am incredibly sorry to hear this news. Sorry is not even a good word. There is a hole in my heart for you and Paul right now. Your tales of Lucy were a driving force in convincing me that I needed to bring Jiggs with me to Mexico. I have never regretted that decision. But knowing how that story would turn out and how Lucy’s would turn make their losses no easier to accept. I am happy you shared your love for her with us.
Nancy
December 29, 2010Ingrid, Cynthia & Mike, Trailrunner, and Steve – Thank you so much for your kind words. It is easy to be loving parents of a dog like Lucy, the only hard part was the last few days. She went so peacefully, that is a big comfort to us. I know you all know how hard it is. Thanks again.
Larry Lambert
December 29, 2010Cesar is an exceptional individual. He helped us with Talli this spring when the time came. It tears you up when it happens, but I’ll never forget Talli looking up at me and with her eyes asking “Please make it end.” We are truly sorry at your loss.
Theresa in Mérida
December 29, 2010Words fail me, it is hard to make that decision for your dog. All I can do is offer my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
regards,
Theresa
jonna
December 29, 2010You have my love and sympathy, it’s a hard decision. You didn’t let her down, it’s the hardest part of the responsibility we take on when we bring an animal into our lives. All the rest is easy, they love us unconditionally but we have to let them go when they are suffering. Hugs to you both, it’s a sad time.
Leslie Limon
December 29, 2010Nancy, I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs!)))
Fred
December 29, 2010I am so sorry for your loss, Nancy and Paul.
Gary Denness
December 29, 2010Ay, pobrecita. My condolences.
Barb
December 30, 2010I am so sorry for your loss. ‘Tis said that the hardest decisions are usually the right ones. Know in your heart that this was the right decision. We had to put our Max down Oct 14. I still miss that rotten little goober. Perhaps he and Lucy are chasing each other around in Doggy Heaven.
Rebecca
December 30, 2010Last year our 6 year old German Shepherd, Tonka, died suddenly of a gastric tortion event. We thought we were ready to be pet-less after Tonka died since we are planning a move to Mazatlan but I couldn’t face an empty house when I came home each day from work. I was so overcome with loss. Within a month we rescued a dog, Mikko, who had been without a real home for over a year.
A friend of mine shared this epitaph with me after Tonka died:
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, all the virtues of man without his vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of Boatswain, a dog.
Lord Byron
1st Mate
December 30, 2010I’m so sorry Lucy is gone. I know how you miss her, having lost my own Sophie this fall. She was very fortunate to have spent her life with you, and to have you make the right decision when the time came.
Billie
December 30, 2010Nancy and Paul, there is nothing I can say to help. I know it was a hard decision to make but the right one for Lucy. But still, everytime you come in the door you will look for her. We miss our little ones so much when they are gone. I’m glad you have Henry and Coco. They can’t replace Lucy but they can and will love you even more. God bless your little family.
Barb Durham
December 30, 2010My heart aches for you. Identical scenario for us one year ago, and it does hurt a very little trifle less now. Still can’t think about getting another dog, though, as I never want to endure that again.
VERY similar photo to your Lucy!
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/204869/ellaantlers.jpg
Barb in Bahia Kino
Cheryl
December 30, 2010I am not religious but I believe that dogs go to heaven. My heart goes out to you.
jillian
December 30, 2010what a face. hugs.
sandie and Mike
December 30, 2010Nancy, we just wanted to let you know again how very sorry we are. Lucy was a very special lady and we know she will be sorely missed. We are just so happy that we had the chance to meet her.
Contessa
December 30, 2010So sorry for your pain…it is so difficult to let go but in your hearts you know you did the right thing. Hold each other tight tonight. Many hugs…
Dianne
December 30, 2010Nancy and Paul, we are so sorry to hear the news, though we knew it was coming. What a blessing to have had Lulu with you for so long. And thank goodness that, unlike many humans, loved ones were able to do the humane thing for her. She loved you, and you her. It is sooooo hard to lose a pet. Our thoughts are with you.
Nancy
December 31, 2010Thanks everyone for your kind words. We are doing ok – we know it was her time and it was hard to let her go, but now we are doing our best to move on and not dwell on it. Coco and Henry need help adjusting, too – a little more lap time might be in order. Happy New Year to all of you, and thank you.
Tancho
January 1, 2011Sorry to hear about that Nancy, I know how special God’s give to us is. I lost my friend of many years this year also and hate the fact of how empty the house becomes, even though we have a few more of our family still around. It’s always nice to see people getting animals from shelters, sometime I don’t understand how people can abuse animals, but luckily there are people that rescue dogs and cats, which negate some sad abuse situations.
islagringo
January 1, 2011I knew about this from your FB entry but that didn’t make reading the story any easier. All pet owners know and share your grief at this time.
Mic
January 2, 2011So sorry for your loss, Nancy. Lucy is a very beautiful soul.
Les in Texas
January 3, 2011Our sincerest condolences…
Les and Travis
Cecilia
January 10, 2011Dear Nancy –
I’m so sorry for your loss. Words can not describe the love we have for our pets.
Stay strong! And give the kids a hug from me.
Our thoughts are with you.
Jan Ambrose
January 22, 2011Nancy, I haven’t read any blogs for a while and I’ve read some of yours again today. Sadly, I haven’t blogged either. It’s been a bit of a depressed time for me with Bruce’s illness. However, he’s still Bruce and we are still trying to find answers. You are inspiring to begin my blog again. I am so terribly sorry about Lucy. What a great dog. I know how much you loved her and she clearly had a happy transition to Mazatlan. I am thinking about you and sending love. I’m driving down to Sayulita in March and hope to see you then.
Love, Jan
Nancy
January 24, 2011Thanks, Jan. We are trying not to think about her too much, it makes us too sad. Is Bruce seeing any natural practitioners? Perhaps they could offer some help… We really hope to see you in March, I am counting on you staying with us… we have room and the dogs would get along, PLEASE?