Lucy

Yesterday morning I received the message I had been expecting at any moment for the last week or so.

It was the unbelievably sad news that Lucy had been put to sleep on Saturday evening.

Lucy had been a fantastic walk companion for nearly six years to the day until her last walk, not more than 10 days ago.

It was no more than four weeks ago that I noticed a sudden change in her energy levels and something seemed wrong. After years of leaping happily into my van I suddenly needed to lift her in.

Also it had been about 10 days that I noticed that she was not eating all her food. Anyone who knows golden retrievers will know that this means that something is not right.

Over the years I have got to know Lucy’s owner and family extremely well. I immediately raised my concerns and passed on my observations and recommended that she undergo some tests.

Upsettingly my concerns were correct and the tests showed that Lucy had multiple cancers in her body. Through her endless positivity she had hidden it well until it was too late.

The next few days we moved Lucy to a much slower tempo group as she loved the daily socializing and her outing.

Unfortunately the cancer was working extremely quickly and she was becoming thinner and weaker with each day.

Tuesday 30th April after our walk I spoke in length with the owner and we decided to retire Lucy from the walks so that she could live out the rest of her days relaxing in the garden with family around her.

This very afternoon (today) I had planned to take my afternoon a group for a walk near her house in the woods and then stop by for one last goodbye. The plan as agreed with her owner had been to let her and her friends run around in the garden as a final farewell. She would have absolutely loved it but it was not to be.

On Saturday her health had gone rapidly downhill and there was only one correct but painful decision.

Lucy is the third member of our 1000+ walk club that we have had to say goodbye to this year.

The pain and emotions are still very raw. Yet I know from experience that with time the tears will turn to smiles and laughter from so many fantastic adventures together.

Our most heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to her family: Katha, Celina and Amina.

Lucy will be greatly missed, which I always say is the sign of a fantastic character and a life well lived.

Rest in Peace Lucy ❤️🐾