We Miss Her

After a noticeable decline in her remission, we lost Lucy last Tuesday, February 24th. When she was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia, we promised her that we would not let her suffer, and we kept that promise.

We remember Lucy with laughter and much love. As I said previously, Lucy was hard to come to love, but once you let her into your heart, she made her place and was there to stay. We received a lovely card from our veterinary practice and they also made a donation on Lucy's behalf to the Morris Animal Foundation. Below is the note that her primary doctor included (referencing chronic medical problems Lucy had as well as cancer):

"Dear Tom, Kim and little Grace...

I loved everything about Lucy. Despite all of her issues, I truly believe that she knew that we were trying to help her. She was sweet, lovable and wanted to please. You have suffered two terrible losses in a short time and I truly sympathize with you. Thanks for not letting her suffer. You are special people who have had special dogs...and I hope that Wilson will follow in Lucy's and Casey's footsteps.

Be well.

Mark"

I know that those of you who visit our blog are here to see and hear about Grace, and you are constantly returning to find posts about our dogs. But our dogs are our family and deserve a place here as well.

Grace was devestated by Lucy's passing and cried for a long time when we told her that we were going to have to say goodbye to Lulu. She loved her dearly and they were good friends. The other day when I was teary-eyed and missing Lucy, Grace said to me, "It's okay to miss Lucy, Mommy. We can still love her in heaven". What a sweet, smart little girl. I am a lucky woman to be her mommy, no doubt about that.

This 'n That

Good news to report about our Sweet Lu - She saw her vet last week and she thinks that Lucy is in remission. She goes to the vet to get checked again tomorrow, and we're hoping and praying for another miraculous report! We have no idea how long it will last, but are thrilled that she is feeling well and we're able to enjoy some quality time with her. Here's our girl enjoying two of her favorite past-times - sleeping and waiting for Daddy to come home...

We enjoyed Valentine's Day by making a heart-shaped brownie and covering it with cream cheese frosting and multi-colored sprinkles! We spent the remainder of the afternoon bowling and having dinner at a yummy new Bistro in town...

And finally, meet the newest addition to our family...Wilson! Wilson is an 8-week-old Golden Retriever pup who will be coming home to live with us on Friday! Welcome to the family, Wilson!

Loving Lucy

Our little Lucy is sick - very sick. We found out this week that she has lymphoma and leukemia. Our poor little baby - and I do mean baby. She's only 4. She is currently on the wonder-drug, Prednisone, and that seems to be counter-acting the symptoms and may even put her into a short remission. We have no idea how long. She will tell us when it's time. But right now, we're smothering her with love and affection and living in every moment with her.

This has been a rough few months for us and our animals. We lost our precious Casey less than 6 months ago to a cancerous tumor on his heart. This is so very heart-breaking. Our animals aren't just pets to us; we love them like children.

I have a confession to make about Lucy: it took me a while to really love her. Although a very sweet dog, she was a challenge in the beginning. She acted out horribly, bullied Casey, and turned our home upside down. But something happened after Casey's passing. She changed. All of that crap went away, and the purest and most innocent of dogs emerged. She comforted me and became my best friend. I feel so guilty about those luke-warm feelings I had for her and wonder if I even deserve her love. But, she loves me nonetheless and I love her right back.

So, hang in there little girl. Be strong. Fight the fight. Let yourself feel our love. And don't worry for one moment that you'll have to suffer. I love you.

Cousin Brock

Congratulations to Grace's Uncle Mike and Aunt Sarah who welcomed their first child, Brock, into the world on January 30th. What a handsome boy!

Who's Grace? Questions Answered.

• Cousin Candis asks: Hi Grace!! Cousin Presley likes watching Noggin too....she likes Yo Gabba Gabba. Do you like Yo Gabba Gabba too?? Grace's Answer: Uh huh, I do like Yo Gabba Gabba! I love everything on Noggin!
• Jacquie asks: Hey Grace, my little girl Lily will be three this spring. Would you like to meet her this summer? Or is a three year old not so much fun for you? Grace's Answer: Sure, that would be fun! I love 3! Mommy's answer: We would love to get together this summer, Jac. I can't wait to finally meet Lily!

Who's Grace?

It has occurred to me that I may post photos of Grace, but I haven't really posted much about what makes her who she is. Here's the results of a Q & A session I had with Grace this evening...

• How old are you? 4
• What's your favorite color? Pink
• What's your favorite food? Pepperoni pizza
• What's your favorite toy? My Diego game (Leapster). I like Play-Doh, too. And my camera. Where is my camera, Mommy?
• What's your doggy's name? Lulu. And Casey. He's in heaven with Grandma Joyce. I miss Casey, Mommy.
• You're going to be 5 soon. What happens when you're 5? I get to go to Kindergarten! And ride the school-bus!
• What's your favorite TV show? Noggin. I love Noggin.
• Noggin is the TV Channel. What's your favorite TV show? Blue's Clues. I have a "handy dandy" (notebook) just like Blue's Clues!
• What did you wear to school today? My froggy pajamas! It was pajama day at school 'cuz it's "P" week. Miss Patty wore her fuzzy pink robe and slippers. I have a fuzzy pink robe and slippers, too! I told you I should have wore that, Mom. Do you know that when a polywog loses it's tail, it becomes a frog? I learned that!
• Do you think I could wear my pajamas to work? No, you're silly, Mommy.
• What are your friend's names? Kadyn, Julianna, and Victoria. But Mommy, you and Daddy are my best friends! We're on the same team!
• What's your favorite word? Predicament. Do you know what predicament means? It means very big problem. I learned that on Sesame Street. I had a predicament before. I couldn't find my pencil. It was in my toy box. Did you ever have a predicament, Mom?

Our interview concluded by discussing a few predicaments I've encountered in my 38 years. Now it's your turn to interview Grace or ask questions about her. Just leave a comment or email me with anything you're interested in learning about our girl!

'Twas a Week Before Christmas...

Oh, my Gracie, you are everything that is pure and good in this World. I love you my sweet angel.