Lucy Girl

Kenny and I were married July, 1993. Lucy Girl became our first "child" that October. We had a old falling down kind of house on East North 12th street in Abilene but it came with a huge fenced in yard, complete with a pretty well built dog house. Well, we couldn't let that dog house go to waste, could we? So, off to the pound we went in search of our first "married" pet.

Kenny thought this beagle mix was a cool looking dog, but I immediately fell in love with a dog named Cinnamon, who later became Lucy to us. She was a golden retriever mix and FULL of life. Boy, how she would run in her early days. She would run in circles, jump on top of her dog house, fetch the morning paper everyday, and take Kenny on bike rides by literally pulling him for blocks before slowing her pace. After 6 weeks of obedience school she went from wild to tame and has since been a cherished part of our family, my parents family and my late grandfather's very best friend.

She traveled from Abilene to Escondido in the back of our Honda Accord and for the last 12 years was living the dream as a California dog. She watched as her original owner grew pregnant and brought four baby boys into the world, and she never hurt a one of them. Just a couple of days ago I watched Brooks kiss her head and lovingly lean his weight into her side as she lay on the patio. In a word she was just the sweetest dog.

Lucy died in her sleep sometime last night. Peyton was the first to discover her and realize something was very wrong. Kenny and the older boys buried her with dignity up at mom and dad's house and left flowers, sweet words and her bowl on her grave. We visited the animal shelter today to remind us where Lucy came from and how thankful we are to have adopted her nearly 13 years ago.

I don't know if mom and dad will get another dog, maybe it's our turn, maybe not. But it's a funny thing to realize how very special a good dog can be. The hole Lucy has left will not be easily filled. Bless you sweet doggie, and thank you for loving all of us your entire life.