Lucy passed away yesterday.
She died in the very spot she always slept, in our bedroom, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and people around the world who never met her but wrote to her here at Holy Cow! wishing her the best after she began her battle with osteosarcoma, a deadly bone cancer, nearly two-and-a-half years ago. To all of you, Desi and I want to say thank you with all our hearts. We loved it that you loved our girl.
Lucy came to us as a one-year-old from the Washington Humane Society, our first rescue dog. She was a huge German Shepherd mix who looked like a wolf, with a past that was a mystery and a heart that was full of love. The first night she came home I fell asleep on the couch watching TV, and woke up to an unknown sensation: a huge doggie tongue planting slobbery kisses all over my face. Lucy was not a prolific kisser, as I found out eventually, and today I know exactly how special that kiss was, and how much love and trust it offered to a human she'd just met. No one had told her she had been adopted, but it was like she knew we would be together for life.
The next morning, when Desi took her for a walk, she slipped out of the collar to chase another dog and disappeared into the woods. An hour later, she found her way home by herself, even though she had just lived with us a few hours. She knew she was home and she wasn't going anywhere.
We named her Lucy after the wonderful Lucille Ball, because of her unusual red coat and her screwball behavior, especially right after we had adopted her. She loved stealing and chewing on dry flowers. I'd be sitting in the room and the vase would be right near the door and I'd see a head pop around the corner, mischief written all over the face. I'd pretend not to notice and she would grab a couple of dry stems and take off down the stairs to find a secret place to enjoy them.
When we brought Opie home, he was just a puppy and had to be crated for a lot of the time. Lucy would not let him sleep, so I had to keep them separated for a good part of the day. But she'd find ways to get to him, including crawling across the room, close to the floor, hoping I wouldn't notice. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen.
We had many nicknames for her: Fan-Face, as Desi liked to call her, because of the way her two huge, pointed ears framed her long, pointed muzzle. Lucita Momo (whatever that means-- ask Desi), Lucinda, Lucille, and Angel-Face. Peanut, because she loved nothing more than peanuts in their shells. She would sit patiently while Desi shelled peanuts for her, and guzzle them in the blink of an eye. Strangely enough, she did not like pre-shelled peanuts. Go figure.
Today I can only think of how much I miss her. I miss the feeling of her soft ear in the palm of my hand. I miss the sweet smell of her fur when I'd kiss her behind her head, I miss how wonderful she felt when I hugged her, or how honored I felt when she shyly offered one of her rare kisses. I miss how she followed me around the house, hid in the closet during a thunderstorm, begged for a ride in the car at every possible opportunity, danced around my feet when I came home from work, and offered me her belly to rub.
If there is a heaven, Lucy must surely be in it today, along with all those other great animals who make our lives so much better than we can imagine. For me, Lucy was a life-changer. Loving her and learning how intelligent, gentle, and loving she was opened my eyes to the suffering other intelligent, gentle, and loving animals endure in our world. She was the reason I went vegan. She was the reason I started to write Holy Cow! and met you all.
I am a better person for knowing Lucy. For that, and so many more wonderful reasons she gave me over 10 years, she will always be my true love.
Sleep tight, my baby.
Basanthi
hi Vaishali, i found u'r blog a month ago. And i was so impressed by the way u love animals, and how u took an oath not to use any animal products in any way. As an animal lover i always loved to read u'r blog abt u'r pets. And i even tried few of your recipes which came out finger licking good, but never commented before. I'm sorry for the loss of u'r beloved pet lucy.I know how hard it is for u to cope with the loss.May god bless u with all the strength. RIP Lucy.
Christine
I just found your blog, but I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are such special gifts.
Sum
Aww..... So sorry.... But I'm sure she is still loving you from wherever she is....
Dee
I'm so very sorry.
Bindi and Bliss
Dear Vaishali and Desi
Reading about Lucy broke my heart and brought a huge lump to my throat. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. You and Desi enriched Lucy's, Opie's, Freddy's and numerous others lives, and I know they gave you so much more in return. I truly believe that if we all had a pet in our homes that gave us such unconditional love, we would be better as a race, we would be more humane.
I wish you peace Vaishali and I know that Lucy will remain in your heart forever. She was bound to find you, to care for you, and to enrich your life.
doemora
so sorry for your loss, many kitty kisses to you
doe mora
vkbook
Vaishali,
I am a lurker and enjoy reading your blog and trying out the recipes. I especially enjoy your posts about your babies Lucy and Opie. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Lucy. Take Care Vaishali.
Vani
TheCooker
Like Nupur said, it is hard to cry and type at the same time.
I'm so sorry to hear this news.
RIP Lucy.
chennaispice
So sorry for your loss, Vaishali.
RIP, Lucy.
Artsy-Craftsy Ivy
I am so sorry for your loss.
RIP little girl.
Dixya
I am so sorry for your loss but I am sure Lucy is in better place.
Anonymous
Dear Vaishali,
Very tearful after your heartfelt post on the loss of a dear family member. We owe it to Lucy to read your posts and wonderful recipes. People and animals come and go but leave their memories behind. Lucy will always be with you in spirit though she has moved on. May you continue your good work with animals and food.
Nandini
Tibik
Vaishali,
I have never met Lucy but will miss her. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you will find some comfort in knowing she had a wonderful life with you.
Anonymous
So sorry for your lost. Rest in peace sweet girl
csu
i'm truly sorry for your loss, i know how hard it is to let your pet go. Lucy was a cute dog and i'm sure she had a wonderful life with you. thank you for the touching story.
Laavanya
So sorry for your loss Vaishali... it was beautiful to read about wonderful Lucy.