Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Lucy

Today was one of the hardest days of our life. Last night, Lucy was doing good... She went on a nice long walk with Jared, devoured her dinner and cuddled up and fell asleep with me. She knew we needed a really good night, and being as amazing as she is, she gave us one. About 2am I woke up to Lucy struggling to breath. Her breathing was short and heavy and it was clear that something was VERY wrong. She would not move, eat, drink, and her neck lymph nodes had swollen severely; it was obvious that she was suffering.

Two weeks ago we had received final confirmation that Lucy did in fact have Lymphoma. We decided not to pursue any chemotherapy, and put her on the drug prednisone (a steroid) and were given an outcome of 10-14 days. Lucy's lymph nodes reduced dramatically and she returned, for the most part, to healthy activity. We have watched her energy slowly decline, but had made a deal with her. We asked her to fight as long as she could and when she couldn't fight anymore, we would let her go.

We had a very special night with Lucy, loving on her and cuddling. This morning we had a very nice time with her that allowed us to say goodbye. At 10:45 we had to do the most difficult thing we have ever faced, and we put Lucy to sleep. She was such an amazing dog that words will never do her justice. God was incredibly good to us and allowed us to have much more time with her than any of the doctors and information that we had read diagnosed. Lucy was a sweet puppy (4 years old...) full of love, and is at peace now. No pain, cancer, ear infections, seasonal allergies, pink eye, water sensitive skin, etc. She will be greatly missed.

I know in my heart that we will see her again in heaven and that she is having the time of her life right now. We have a huge vacancy in our hearts and the house already doesn't feel right. However, God is good and He will take care of Lucy for us until we are reunited.

We love you and miss you dearly

3 comments:

Melissa said...

ah Rhonda! Your post brought me to tears. I'm sorry for your loss.
Hang in there.
Love you my friend!

Allikaye's Mama said...

I started reading this at school today and started crying! So now I am at home and can comment. I am so sorry for you guys! We loved Lucy too..so many laughs...that squeaky ball...the crazy loop around the living room...her excitement jumping up on the guest bed....loved being pet...her itchy skin and ears from the water...and the model poses in her pictures. Hope you both can just cry tonight and remember that sweet girl!! She is so happy sitting on Jesus' lap!
Love you guys!

Kathy said...

I'm so glad you posted that picture of Lucy at the beach, I remember that day and how much fun we had with Lucy & Callie. Dad & I will miss that sweet girl. Memories will be when we came to visit or she came to visit us-her walking with me to the coffee stand, her greeting us in the mornings by jumping on the bed, playing hide & seek with her, squeaky toys, and her joy at seeing us. She certainly knew how to give love and receive love, she was special. Love, Mom