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Goodbye for now, Lucy Boerner

June 21, 2020 By Talya Tate Boerner 34 Comments

One of the happiest days is the day you adopt a pet. The saddest is when that pet dies. We lost our sweet Lucy early this morning. We kept watch over her most of the night, her faint heartbeat and her still body, until she slipped away.

This morning, there is fog. The backyard is eerily still and gray in the early dawn. The birds continue to chirp, but they sound like someone else’s birds, singing from someone else’s trees, a yard or two over.

This morning, Lucy’s food bowl is untouched. Her blanket on the back porch still holds the imprint of her last nap.

Annabelle knows.

As Annabelle runs the fence perimeter searching for the possum that has taken up residence in our backyard, she knows Lucy isn’t watching from the sidelines. Not that long ago, Lucy chased pesky squirrels and certainly wouldn’t have tolerated a possum in the yard. Lucy was the best gardening buddy.

Pets never live long enough, but Lucy certainly had a wonderful life. Her favorite things included loooooong back scratches, walks with the whole pack, and playing tug-of-war with Annabelle. And, yes, she was pretty famous. Not only is she one of the central protagonists in my latest book, but once upon a time, she was a cover girl featured in the Lakewood Advocate, July 2010. She won a pet contest for that esteemed honor.

Lucy Lakewood Advocate

This morning while my coffee perked, I saw a hummingbird at the feeder. A tiny, hopeful, miraculous reminder of life. Yesterday was the first day of summer. It somehow seems fitting that Lucy’s last day would be summer solstice, the longest day of the year, a day for appreciating good things while they last.

Today is Father’s Day. I imagine Gene was patiently waiting to welcome Lucy (such a smart little kitty cat). I imagine they are together again, and that provides some comfort.

RIP Lucy. Run fast and free sweet girl.💓

We will miss you every single day.

Lucy

Filed Under: Life, Pets Tagged With: death of pet, Lucy, Lucy and Annabelle

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Comments

  1. Colene says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:05 am

    This is a beautiful tribute to your Lucy girl. I’m so sorry. Sending love and hugs. ❤️

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:32 am

      Thanks Colene.

      Reply
  2. Cathy v says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:09 am

    My heart goes out to you. She was such a great dog. Losing a pet is so very sad.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:32 am

      Thanks Cathy. It really is.

      Reply
  3. Sherri Stewart says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Sending you love and light

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:32 am

      Thanks Sherri. We need it.

      Reply
  4. gina says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:49 am

    She was loved. You were a good dog mom. I’m sorry for your loss, my friend. I was happy to get to meet Lucy!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:32 am

      Thanks Gina!

      Reply
  5. Julie says

    June 21, 2020 at 8:54 am

    I’m so sorry. I picture Lucy running along a fence line “ guarding” while Gene and the dog God are laughing and watching from behind a heavenly summer solstice tree in full green foliage.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:33 am

      Beautiful picture you’ve painted. Thank you.

      Reply
  6. Barbara says

    June 21, 2020 at 9:14 am

    They are such a blessing to us. I am so sorry.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:33 am

      Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Barbara Tate says

    June 21, 2020 at 9:43 am

    RIP, our sweet Lucy Girl. I will certainly miss our visits. Lucy came to see me two days ago and sat on my lap on the patio. My heart is broken. Love you, Nana.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:34 am

      Yes, I’m glad she came to visit you a few days ago. We’ve lost a family member for sure.

      Reply
  8. Malissa Lucius says

    June 21, 2020 at 9:55 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Our Furbabies never live long enough. They give so much love and comfort.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:35 am

      Yes, John and I were just discussing this. Too bad they don’t live longer! Thank you.

      Reply
  9. Mark Price says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:04 am

    I am so saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you, John, and Annabelle.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:35 am

      Thanks Mark.

      Reply
  10. Gary Henderson says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:07 am

    My heart is broken for you.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:35 am

      Thanks friend.

      Reply
  11. Lyn fenwick says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:12 am

    When we love them like children we grieve them like children. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  12. Beth C Watson says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I am so sorry. Crying over sweet Lucy’s passing.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:36 am

      Thank you Beth. She was a sweetie.

      Reply
  13. Carol Owen says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:48 am

    So sorry about Lucy. That was a great tribute. So hard to lose a pet. Hugs to all.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:36 am

      Thank you Carol.

      Reply
  14. Nancy Kemp says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:55 am

    Ron and I are holding our little schnauzer Elliot a little closer today as we tearfully share in the pain of your loss. ♥️

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:37 am

      Thank you Nancy. We will always have an extra soft spot for schnauzers thanks to Lucy.

      Reply
  15. Cindy Lu says

    June 21, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    This made me cry. I’m so sorry, Talya and John. I will miss Lucy from afar but Annabelle will carry on her legacy. I hope you are all able to help each other through your grief. This is when I wish dogs could talk to us to share their feelings. RIL, Lucy.
    You had the whole wide world loving you!
    Now you have Gene and all of Heaven for eternity! (((♥️)))

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Thanks, Cindy. It’s a hard time but your comment certainly provides comfort.

      Reply
  16. Christina says

    June 21, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Before I even read your blog my first thought was – she and Gene are together again. I’m so sorry for your loss. We never get to love our babies long enough.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Yes. We’ve been thinking a lot about them together. Thank goodness for that.

      Reply
  17. Sharon Collins says

    June 21, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    My heart is absolutely heartbroken for you. We lost our boy Jubal and soon after started a search for a companion for the little Huck who was so lonely. Nobody had any puppies. Amazingly, the same breeder who brought Huck into our family, had a pup who had been returned due to a health issue in their family. They gave us Chloe who has been the best pup ever. She has been such a blessing and has snuggled right into that hole that our precious Jubal left in my heart. She is the perfect fit and even looks so much like Jubal did. What did we ever do before we got Chloe?

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:39 am

      I’m so glad about your happy ending. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  18. Dorothy Johnson says

    June 22, 2020 at 11:21 am

    I share your loss and know I will feel her absence when I come to see you. She was sort of the hub of your family that time I visited in Dallas. I remember John getting up in time to take the girls for a walk before he went to to work. So sweet. The Alpha of your pack, Lucy was a force with which to be reckoned, as they say. I know Annabelle misses her, but Lucy taught her well, so she will be OK.
    Also, I like to think about Gene as Lucy’s welcoming committee. I imagine she’s chasing squirrels in heaven today. Sending you comfort. I love you, Dear Friend.

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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