Lucy in memoriam

Copyright Michael Coatesworth.

Last revised: May 17, 2009

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In loving memory of my best friend Lucy

When I first met Lucy, a Padderdale Lakeland terrier, it was love at first site for both of us. There was no hesitation of having her move in with me. At first she was a little timid and shy, but as we got to know each other better, it wasn’t long before she came out of her shell and was soon running around making the home comfortable for herself.

Okay at times she had a wee accident, but I soon learned the signs that she needed to go out and she was really pleased with my training. It was just a matter of me learning what she wanted. Soon she was comfortable sitting or lying on my lap and giving off contended moans of pleasure as I stroked her behind the ears.

Even though Lucy became used to my electric wheelchair I accidently nipped her twice with my wheels, but the yelp she gave was out of surprise that I could do such a thing to her. After that she gave me a wide berth when I was moving around the house, but she still followed me wherever I went and she watched over me.

I gave her titbits when I was advised not to, but Lucy brought such pleasure into my life that I just could not resist her sad eyes when she stared at me as I was eating.

No lead was necessary when we went out as she stayed close to me but a discreet distance from my chair.

Lucy was a wonderful dog and I could not help laughing at some of her antics, like running up the hall and jumping onto my lap. She gave all the signs that she loved me as much as I loved her.

Last night, 16^th May 2009 she was playing in the avenue outside the house. There was a screech of brakes, then acceleration as a car sped away, Lucy had been hit and injured badly.

Lucy crawled from the scene of the hit and run and made it to the back door to feebly tap on the door. When Lesley opened the door she gave an ear piercing scream as she saw Lucy on her side. Lifting her head Lucy looked up sadly at Lesley as if to plead to her for help.

The poor dog was carried into the house, but even though everything possible was done for her it was obvious even to the untrained eye that Lucy was beyond help and I think that she knew it too, but she didn’t want to die alone, she wanted to be with her family in her last moments. As Lesley gently talked to her and stroked her head, Lucy looked up at Lesley and made one last effort to get up, she couldn’t manage it, she laid back down and a few seconds later Lucy passed away.

We are all sad at losing Lucy, and the tears are falling as I think of the valiant effort she gave in crawling from the road to the house and her trying to stand up as she fought to stay alive.

She is to be buried in my garden. I’m sure at times I will hear her barking to let me know that she is still watching over us.

Goodnight Lucy