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.

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.