Lucy was born with what we think was dwarfism. She was a tiny little cocker girl, only 13 lbs. With bowed front legs, and back legs that did not quite work right. She never let that stop her.

How to describe 3 years of living with a Diva. Lucy had been loved and spoiled her whole life. She barked to be picked up, and to be put down. She had been paper trained, but I was determined that she would learn to go outside. I am not sure she had ever been outside much, here she felt the grass under her feet, stood in snow, which she did not like, and ran in the yard. She had a funny little gait, but managed to get where she wanted to be.

She was not intimidated by other dogs, no matter their size. She loved people and attention and wanted all of it to be focused on her. She would certainly let us know if we were neglecting her.

The three years she was here she underwent surgery for a mass on her paw, teeth cleaning and a mass behind her ear, chemical ablation for glaucoma in one eye, and a mass on her back knee. She also suffered from a broken ear drum that never healed and so we dealt with chronic ear infections. She never seemed to let any of it keep her down for long. She loved being bathed and would sit in the kitchen and wait for her turn in the sink, then I would wrap her up in a towel, and cuddle her. She had her very own pillow and blanket and slept for three years right between my husband and me at night.

She dealt with all the adversities life had given her with strength and quite a bit of joy. She certainly gave joy back to all who met her. To see her tiny little face cocked up looking at you just made you smile, and of course, pick her up.

Lucy started having trouble walking, but that was okay because we could carry her. The last two months she was with us, she fought massive abscesses on her ear. It hurt me to hurt my baby girl, but she recovered and we thought she was going to be okay. It was not to be. Her tiny little body was tired. After one last picnic with all her beloved friends at Pals, Joan and I sent her to the Bridge with all the love living three years with a Diva could hold. There is an empty spot in my heart and the lessons I learned from this little girl will never be forgotten. I was blessed to have her here for those three years.

Run free little girl, you are missed