With dogs, their friendship is never a question. Their loyalty never falters. They don't judge you for where you live, what you look like, what you smell like or how much money you may have or don't have. If you give a dog Love and kindness, they will reciprocate without hesitation. They just want to feel love and to be accepted like everyone else. And, if you give them that, they are your friends for life. A dog never forgets who their friends are. If you are, or have been, lucky enough to have cared for a dog in your lifetime, you probably know what I am saying, first hand. 

If you know me, then you know that I have had Dalmatians in my life for many years. Yesterday afternoon, out of love and concern for her well-being, we put our oldest Dalmatian, Lucy, down after 17 years of love, loyalty and friendship. I had the honor and great pleasure of having Lucy in my life and for the opportunity to love and care for her, especially in her last years. This doggie fought for life and wanted to be home and around us for as long as she could. Seventeen is very old for a Dalmatian, yet she remained vigilant in her refusal to give up, as well as a great beauty throughout her lifetime. 

The stairs up to the back street where the doggies go for their walks.

Despite the pain in her joints the last few years, she would go on her walks as best she could, trying to keep her balance all the way through. Towards the end, the task of walking became very difficult for her, yet she always followed me to the stairs that led up to the street where we use to walk. Near the end, I was carrying her up and down the stairs because she couldn't do it on her own any longer. Her legs would tremble with each step she took. Our walks slowed down and even became very short, but Lulu kept going until she could no longer take another step. Her long, skinny legs gave out and she didn't even try to stand on them, anymore. Her beautiful pink lips were turning gray yesterday and she did not want any water near her face. Lucy was telling us it was time for her to go. Her big browns eyes were sad, but full of love and I could tell by looking at her that she was done. On Friday, she cut her already short walk in half and I knew the pain was getting worse. What I didn't know is that she would give up all together the next morning. 

So, with love, sorrow and compassion, we had a vet come to the house so that Lucy could be in her favorite spot when we cuddled and kissed her to sleep. She was surrounded by the people who loved her most and we tried to make her as comfortable as possible. After all, she had earned at least that much in her lifetime. 

Goodbye, Lulu. I already miss you more than I can stand. You will live in my heart, along with Madison, for the rest of my life. You are still loved and always will be remembered. What a good doggie.