Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Lucy 2001 - 2010

This is the hardest piece that I have ever written for today my beloved Lucy has passed on to new adventures. An exploratory operation this morning revealed a massive tumour and secondaries in her lymph glands and I made the heart rendering decision not to prolong her suffering. I would just like to thank all who grew to know and love her through my pale words and pictures. I do not believe that I’ll have the spirit or will to walk the trails or write again without my bog monster at my side, it will just not be the same.


31 comments:

Ian Nance said...

Sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

John, this is such sad news this morning. What a tough decision you were forced to make, and, certainly you made the right one. Yes, I did grow to love Lucy from your many posts about time with her. Just recently I shared with my wife news of Lucy's failing health. So you see, The Bog Monster, had a far reaching impact. I believe, John, that Lucy would not want you to quit walking and wandering the woods in your area. Just know that Lucy will always be there looking down upon you and sharing your fun from her special place in the beyond. God bless you, John, in whatever you decide is right for your adventures in the future!

Dog Hair in my Coffee said...

John,
I do not know any words that will make the suffering less. There is no loss like that of a beloved dog. None. And the ache stretches on as far ahead as you can see. This I know. This we all know, because we've all been where you are now. And I'm sorry that you are there. I wish I could stretch across the Atlantic and give you a long, long hug, hold your hand a bit, sit with you awhile. I'm so very, very sorry you had to do this, that this had to happen. SO sorry. We all loved Lucy, too. Thank you for sharing her with us. And may peace find you sooner, rather than later, somehow. We're here for you, John.

Anonymous said...

Oh John, I am so very, very sorry.

You did the right thing, even though it was tough, and that just shows how much you really loved her.

She will be sorely missed.

Take care my friend,
Kari

Unknown said...

No words anyone can say can ease your pain, but I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My tears overflow at the news, she warmed my heart through a blog. I can only imagine how wonderful she was in real life. Lucy will always be with you in your heart. -stephanie

louisa @ TheReallyGoodLife said...

Oh John, I'm so sorry to hear that. :(

It's heartbreaking that she won't be stinking up your world any more but from all you wrote about her, it's clear she was very deeply loved and had a wonderful life - a very happy dog.

moschops said...

I am so very, very sorry.

I wish I could say something to help but I cant think of anything to add to what has been said by everyone else,

Thank you for sharing yours and Lucy's adventures with us.
Thinking of you,
megan
xxxx

Wolfy said...

Nothing I say can make things better for you at this moment, but when you have a chance to look back on her life, and her presence in your blog, I hope you'll see one thing that made Lucy and you unique to all of us - through Musings, Lucy and you have had a profound effect on people all over the world. While it's no consolation at the moment, people around the globe are grieving Lucy. Her impact on people was farther reaching than you could have ever imagined.

I, for one, thank you for bringing her into my life.

I wish there was something I could do or say that would bring her back, but, sadly, I can't.

I'm sorry for your loss, my friend.

Joe

spotted face said...

I am sorry to hear that, John. Your adventures with Lucy will be missed very much. I feel your pain as I had to do this same thing 3 years ago with a retriever named Floyd. That was the hardest drive I ever had to make. Grown man crying like a little girl...

But, my friend, listen to spirit and you'll hear the call - I am with Mel on this. Lucy would want you to continue hitting the trails and maybe even with another dog. A dog's spirit is not selfish. She would want this for you. They may not all be the character Lucy was, but they are characters nonetheless. And big deal if you don't feel like writing about it. This here blogging biz is small potatoes.

I hope this line of thought doesn't come across as heartless. Far from it, in my belief.

Take care, John, and stay in touch. There is a lot attached to an event such as this, and I probably should have sent an e-mail, but here I am. The invitation to "drop a line" is open!

Casey

danontherock said...

John I am truly sorry. I know what it is like to lose a dogs. Words just don't do it

regards
Dan

knapperbill said...

So sorry for your loss. A very difficult decision, but certainly the right one. I'll say a prayer for you an Lucy both.

Bill

2 Tramps said...

We are so very sorry that dear Lucy had to leave you this way. It is so difficult to be without our pets and the notion of being grateful for the time spent together seems harsh. But it does honestly get a bit easier with time. We each handle our grief differently and you will find your path. In the meantime, both you and Lucy will be missed here.

Clif said...

Lucy lived a life unlike most any other dog in the world. Never forget:

You were the one to give her life.

Unknown said...

You and Lucy has a lovely life, we all know, we read about it! she will be missed, by many of us, most of all by you and we feel for you xxxx

Michael Agneta said...

John, I'm very sorry. You made the right decision. The great thing about dogs...when the time comes for the two of you to roam the outdoors together again...I'm certain she'll be happily waiting.

Fish Whisperer said...

John, I am sorry to hear about Lucy. Reading your adventures together brought joy to all of us.
I hope that once the grieving is done you will find your way back to the trails and woods that you both enjoyed.
I have to agree with Mel and Casey. One has passed on and that does not mean you must go also.
Be strong.
We are here.
Callan

Bob Mc said...

So sorry John. We know how you feel because we've all been there. Given time there will be another dog in your life. It won't be Lucy, but all dogs are individuals. A youngster, full of play and enthusiasm, will come bouncing along to share the trails with you. I know it's tough, but we can't have dogs without knowing we will lose them from time to time. I would rather share my life with a good dog, and have to part one day, than to not have one at all.

John Going Gently said...

oh john
I know exactly how you feel as you know

this poem sums up what you are feeling...
It may help in the future

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

The Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling

best
best wishes
john

Mark Kautz said...

John, there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said by all your friends in blogland, but know, your Lucy will be missed by many. It's hard to lose your best friend and she was certainly your best friend, stinky as she was. She will remain in our memories for a long time. We share your sadness.

Mark

Karl said...

Hi John,

I'm really sorry about Lucy and you have been in my thoughts all day. Mel and Casey really are right. Simply put, it just sucks! Lucy was a member of your family and a great friend...and having to do what needed to be done is horrible, but you did do the right thing. The joy that she brought you and the memories that she leaves you with, far outweigh the pain you are going through now. A lot of us have felt the pain you are going through and it is not something you could ever wish on anyone.

I've only been following your blog now for a short while, since we swapped comments due to the OBN. I've truly enjoyed your walks with Lucy for that short time. And as Mel and Casey said, Lucy would want you to continue to write and walk. It will be a great way to honor her as well as spur up good memories of her, always.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon. As the cliche says, it never goes away, but it will get easier to deal with.

This friend from across the pond is thinking of you.

Karl

Badger Watching Man said...

John

I am so sorry to hear your news. It's a terrible decision to have to make, but you did the right thing.

You gave Lucy the best life a dog could wish for. I'm happy to have shared some of her experiences through your writing.

Best wishes

BWMb

Keith said...

Very sorry to hear this news John. I have been there many times in my lifetime. This is very sad.
My very best wishes & most sincere regards, Keith.

Gorges Smythe said...

Mark Twain said that Heaven is by grace and not merit, or we would have to stay out, while our dogs walked in. I agree.

The Bible says that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived or ever would. Yet solomon commented, "Who is to say that at death, the soul of man riseth while the soul of a beast sinks to the ground?" (Paraphrased.)

In other words, if you're a religious fellow, you may very well see your beloved Lucy again; who's to say? Regardless, you have my heartfelt sympathy and my prayers. May God comfort you.

Z@X said...

Man, I am so very sorry. I know you hurt so badly...

Prayers for you and for Lucy.

Be well.

Bill said...

John my heart just sank when I saw this post. So very sorry for your loss. Lucy touched a lot of lives far beyond where you or her could have ever imagined I suppose.

Leigh, Andrea Leigh Gil said...

O John! I am so so so sorry! My eyes are just swelling! Heart break really. Take your time and give yourself time to heal... Lucy's spirit is wandering the trails that filled her heart with some much joy and no telling the treasures that she will leave for you to find there. When you find the secrets that she has left for you there... your words will come back to you.
Great big hugs to you and Clare both!

Karen Thomason/Gordon Setter Crossing said...

I'm so sorry. I cry for you all and Lucy. I will surely miss her. And you too, if you do not return. But I hope you will, when you are able. God Bless.

CDGardens said...

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy in honor of your beloved "Bog Monster" - Lucy. She definitely was a sweetheart.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this. RIP Lucy. :(

The Suburban Bushwacker said...

John

So sorry to read this, a death at this time of year is always more painful. I wish you both an improving new year.
SBW

Nearly there Claire said...

Oh John!

Words aren't coming easy to write things here, I'd love to write things that would make you feel better. I'm not really sure how to do that.
I'm not sure how I stumbled across your blog ages back, but I'm pretty sure it was Lucy's cute little face that made me stay...

Having the belief that nothing great will last forever, and we have to make full use of it whilst it's here, well Lucy was not only such a great companion but a dear little friend. I'm so very sorry John, I wish I could make your pain go away...when I'm feeling fed up and sad I clear off out with Basil and let the fresh air and space sort me out...I guess that's exactly what you'd do, but trying to do that now will make your pain worse...unless you can picture her with you, remembering certain stinky slimey pools she just had to dive into and wipe it all on your legs, how about finding sticks the size of houses that she would have to have dragged for half a mile and whacked you on the back of the knees with? Then there's that pile of cow/deer/sheep poop that tasted so delicious that she had to gobble it all up before you caught up and grumbled on about how disgusting little creatures stinky Labradors really are. I'm sure through your tears these memories will make you giggle and in time the pain will turn to pride and tales of your little bog monster will make your walks be the envy of all less superior walkers.
Massive hugs for you both, I'm off to find a tissue for myself now...tears and snot bubbles are not a look I go in for these days.

Happy New Year John, best foot forward and all that, and when the spring comes I'm sure you'll have the urge to get off out there again, trying to find me a toadstool to blog about.
Love you lots, Claire. xxxxx