Georgia and Lucy win pet parade at Middleton, Feb 2008

Lucy helps measure house site, Nov 2008

Unfortunately I am reporting that our little Lucy has passed away, at the young age of two.

Lucy loved chasing cars and we always knew she’d go that way, but that does not soften the blow of her passing. Listening to my daughter cry all night was heartbreaking. Our lovely 10-year-old kelpie, d’Artagnan, is also upset, and she whined and paced about yesterday morning when Lucy died.

One of the things I loved about Lucy was that she was the friendliest dog I’d ever known. She would stay close by our sides and the way she jumped about and got excited when we returned home made coming home to our little cabin a bit more pleasant each day. She would always be near me and she was eager to please. I liked her sweet little face, the way she looked up, wagging her tail, eager to get a pat. She would cuddle in, if allowed, like a little cat. She just wanted to be part of the family.

Telling your six-year-old that pets don’t live for ever, that you need to remember the fun times, does not make it easier for her. Georgia is very upset; it is the first time she has had to deal with loss (other than chickens, of course). Pets are a great part of our family. We might get Georgia a rabbit to look after. In the meantime, the return of our goats, Anna and Giddy, is keeping her fairly occupied.

“We love Lucy so much,” says a sad Georgia.