Pure Bred Siberian Husky - Lucy

by Roni Zittoun

I wanted to share the story about my dog Lucy, who is no longer with me.

Lucy, a pure bred Siberian Husky, was born to our dog Jessie on 12.2.2002. The puppies in Jessie's litter were named Charlie, Linus, Marcie, Sally and Lucy.

My sister named them after the characters in the "Snoopy and friends" tv show. None of the puppies was supposed to stay with us, but the last puppy in the litter, Lucy, was born with a deformation in both of her back legs.

When she was just a few days old, we took her to see several vets, all of which strongly advised to euthanize her, claiming she would never be able to walk. We never gave up on her, until one vet agreed to try an experimental treatment. for the first six months of her life, Lucy was at the vet clinic every week. When she was one year old, she went through a surgery in one of her joints. But by the time she turned 2, Lucy was able to not just walk and run, she could also jump over our garden fence, which is 2 meters high...

At the age of 5 Lucy came down with a severe illness, known as ehrlichia canis. We fought it for about a month. instead of her being admitted to the vet clinic, I brought her in the clinic every morning and took her back home every night.

She was receiving many medications, antibiotics, steroids and blood transfusions. The treatment was not working. at the end, once again the vets resorted to euthanasia. Only this time Lucy wasn't a strong active puppy. she was suffering and her sad eyes looked tired and suggested it was time to let her go. Lucy died on Saturday 25.8.2007.

'luz' in spanish means light. and indeed, Lucy was my little light.
I know her story seems kinda sad, but she taught me an important lesson about hope. Sometimes it's important to struggle and not give up, no matter how desperate things may get. And on the other hand, sometimes you fight your hardest and still lose. but then the important thing to remember is that you tried your best. that's all you can do.

There's a song in spanish called 'Lu, Lucita'. I used to sing it to Lucy sometimes.

That song was also playing in the background when Lucy fell asleep forever.

this is a part of it

Ella es un angelito .................. She's a little angel
Un destello de milagro ............. a sparkle of miracle
Sus ojos ven más adentro ........ Her eyes look deeper
Sus ojos miran lejano .............. Her eyes see farther

Lu, lucita, lucecita .................. Lu, Lucita, little light
Pedacito de estrellita .............. a piece of a star
Hecha de amor y de sueños ...... made of love and dreams
Transparente muñequita .......... transparent little doll

Lu, lucita, lucecita .................. Lu, Lucita, little light
No te vayas por favor ............. Please don't go away
Necesito tu estrellita ............... I need your sparkle
En mi vida muñequita .............. In my life, little doll