Blog - I Loved Lucy - Andy Andrews - Inspirational Author & Speaker

I Loved Lucy

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

She was one of twelve littermates when we chose her fifteen years ago and believe me, twelve Dalmatian puppies can seem like “a hundred and one” when they come tumbling into a room. They were six weeks old and (remember the movie…) their spots were just beginning to appear. The chubby female leading the pack promptly climbed into my wife’s lap and the selection process was over. It was as if she said, “I’m the one you came for. Quit looking at these other guys. Come on, come on, lets go!”

We named her “Lucy” and she took over the house immediately. Every rug was her personal bathroom, every shoe her dearest teething toy. Oh, we had rules, it was just that none of them mattered. Lucy went wherever she wanted to go and slept wherever she wanted to sleep.

Before long, at least, Lucy began to prefer the outdoors to “do her business”, but the house was still her personal fiefdom. She was just as comfortable eating our dinner from the table as she was eating her food from a bowl on the floor. Lucy would start every night on her own blanket in the corner of the bedroom, yet somehow manage to quietly make her way into our bed and UNDER OUR COVERS every single night. On Polly’s side, of course.

We let her get away with it all. If Lucy had been human, she would have been a con artist. I still think about her and marvel. Of all the dogs I’ve had in my life, she wasn’t the smartest. Or the prettiest or the strongest. Or the best watchdog. It is odd, I know. Lucy wasn’t the best at anything…she was just the best, period, my favorite of all time. She was pure love in a fifty pound sack of spots.

Polly and I had only been together a few years when Lucy came into our lives and, as I remember, neither of us were paragons of compromise at that time. We loved each other fiercely, but disagreements were frequent as we navigated the uncharted waters of early- married life.

Lucy was Solomon-like in her ability to love us both and never take sides. She would console Polly after a dispute, listening without agreeing, understanding without approving. And of course she quietly counseled me in similar circumstances. Many times during those days, I feel certain that Lucy heard one of us say something hurtful about the other that we probably should not have said. But she never took sides, never told one what the other had said, and was quick to dismiss our anger in any event.

She was at her best when Austin and Adam were born. We still watch videos of Lucy greeting each of them as we came home from the hospital. They grew into toddlers, pulling on her ears, crawling on her back and she was never grouchy, never impatient. Lucy swam with Polly, ran the beach with the boys, and wrote several books with me.

As good as she was though, Lucy was never able to conquer the extreme addiction she had to food. Any food. Her food, your food, the cat’s food, and anything that looked like food. Never mind trying to hide something or keeping it locked away. Once, after having their sack lunches stolen for several days, construction workers next door caught Lucy jumping through the cab window of their pick-up truck and back out again with their lunch bags in her mouth.

She unwrapped Christmas presents that had food in them and would eat the paper, too. She consumed soap, liver, lettuce, onions, lemons, dead fish, and live bees. The dog was absolutely unapologetic in her brazen quest for one more bite. Lucy just couldn’t help herself. She would take a popsicle off the stick in a child’s hand or look you in the eye as she snatched the ribeye from your plate. It was a sickness. We knew it wasn’t her fault so we just learned to live with it.

Then, there was the ham. It was a big, beautiful HoneyBaked gift from Aunt Barbara that had been delivered to our front porch by Mark, the UPS man at about four o’clock one afternoon. Well before five o’clock, Lucy had chewed a head sized hole in that box and eaten the entire ham. The entire nine-pound ham. She ate it with her head still inside the box and left a bone about the size of my thumb when she was finished. Yes sir, I am still amazed that a fifty-pound dog could eat a nine-pound ham. How would you like to eat 20% of your body weight at one sitting?

There are enough “Lucy stories” to fill a book and one day, I might do just that. Everyone loved that dog. When we decided to put an invisible electric fence around our yard to discourage Lucy’s increasingly wide-ranging food robberies, Dave and Maryann next door insisted we put the fence around their property too. Just so she could visit. Many were the evenings we’d call at bedtime for Dave to send Lucy home.

Kevin and Glenda kept Lucy at their house several years ago when we evacuated for Hurricane Ivan. And when our house was destroyed, she stayed with them for more than a year. Now that I think about it, very few dogs can claim more than one family as their own, but Lucy could.

Her birthday was Thanksgiving (which seemed appropriate in several ways) and we were fortunate to mark fourteen of those before Lucy was gone. I learned a lot with Lucy. I learned a lot from her, too. She was a great example for me about how to greet people and was a constant reminder about how to treat my wife. Don’t think that I didn’t thank her for those lessons and her unyielding devotion to my family as she took her last breaths. I was with her at that moment, you know—when she closed her eyes, sweet head in my lap, and just went to sleep.

It has actually been a while now that Lucy has been gone, but I just couldn’t bring myself to make an official announcement—write or say anything—until today. It was tough for a while (especially as Adam continued to pray for “God to bring Lucy back alive”) but the heartache has slowly been replaced with a wonder at how blessed we were to have been her family. What an incredible part of our life that crazy dog became!

As you might suspect, we’re beginning to think now of a successor. Obviously, whoever the new pooch turns out to be, he or she will have impossibly large paws to fill. And I’m sure that we will fall in love immediately and begin to make room in our hearts for a new “character”. That having been said, we understand that the new dog might turn out to be smarter or better behaved or have a more manageable appetite. But the new dog won’t be better…

Because Lucy was the best.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Make a Comment (59) |

1. jan burch - March 18, 2009 @ 6:19 PM

"I sure hope you saw the movie "Marley and Me" with a box of tissues. Your Lucy was a "Marley"!!!!! jb"

2. Claire - March 18, 2009 @ 6:29 PM

"I lost my sweet Lhasa Apso a year and a half ago. You don't ever get over it, do you?

May I suggest however, Andy, that if you are ever lucky enough to have another dog come into your life, you contact Victoria Stillwell of Animal Planet's "It's Me or The Dog" for a consultation? I've seen her teach many an owner and dog how to overcome just the sort of not-all-that-easy-to-live-with-stuff your lovely Lucy engaged in."

3. Danise Davis - March 18, 2009 @ 6:53 PM

"I knew the moment I saw the subject line. I've always loved the part of your presentation where you share how Lucy taught you to better appreciate Polly. Of course it's that unconditional love that gets us when they have to go. Loss will always be my toughest lesson (2 legged or 4 legged). Thank you for always sharing."

4. JT DeBolt - March 18, 2009 @ 7:07 PM

"Andy, thank you so much for a beautiful post. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. It was one week ago today that my dear friend Yeager took his final breath in my lap. He was 13; he spent over 1/3 of my life and all of his as my loyal companion, sounding board, travel buddy and counselor. I swear he could understand everything I said to him. He was devoted guardian to our 3-yr old daughter Callie and 9-month old son Max. I miss him so much, and my heart aches as I miss him. Thanks for this reminder of the happiness and joy Yeager brought to my entire family, and everyone he met. Like Lucy, Yeager was the best.
~JT"

5. Carol Johnston - March 18, 2009 @ 7:26 PM

"Andy, I absolutely loved the book (and movie), Marley and Me. I am anxiously awaiting the book, "I Loved Lucy"!

Carol, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada"

6. Greta Kirkland - March 18, 2009 @ 7:26 PM

"Mr. Andrews -- Thank you for sharing your lovely tribute to your dear Lucy. People say our dogs are lucky to have us, but I think it's the other way around. They climb into your heart and take up residence there. The good news is they never leave us spiritually even when their physical body is gone.

Bless you and your family, and Ms. Lucy."

7. Kent Leinberger, M.D. - March 18, 2009 @ 7:27 PM

"Hey there, Andy! What a wonderful story you presented today. So here is one of mine for you.

My wife and I lost our wonderful friend Chelsea - a female cat of 18 years- on 13 April 2006. Chelsea passed on quietly in my arms. She had been with us her entire life.

Exactly one year later (04/13/2007) Cali (named for California) our new cat was born. My wife and middle daughter picked her out of a friend's litter on Flag Day 2007 (06/140; hence the name Cali. This fabulous little creation of our Glorious Heavenly Father loves people and shares her love for us unconditionally. Philippians 4:8"

8. Marge Myers - March 18, 2009 @ 7:58 PM

"Isn't it funny how a four legged creature of GOD becomes part of the family. The loss is sometimes as hard as losing a human. Great story about Lucy."

9. Reatha Clark - March 18, 2009 @ 8:28 PM

"We have a "Lucy" at our house and her name is Mollie. She is a "big boned" dalmatian that rather eat than breathe. She is 10 and I have decided that when she dies that I am going to bury my husband with her. He loves this dog more than anything in the world. Thanks for the story that you wrote about her, I can relate to everything that you said!"

10. Delene Janke - March 18, 2009 @ 9:46 PM

"Wonderful writing! I shared the blog with two other friends.

Gucci and Tune were dal-martians (pretty sure they were from another planet) in my family. They lived a Bonnie-n-Clyde country version lifestyle, pack-ratting one glove off the doorstep of a neighbor, to leave it at another house, while removing one boot to take to the next house. Thanks for the fun memories!"

11. Bonnie Bartel Latino - March 18, 2009 @ 10:10 PM

"Andy,

You have written a love letter to Lucy...I believe that's an important part of the grief process. Only those who have lost a beloved family pet can know the pain such a death inevitably brings...

As someone who was never blessed with children, our Bichons have become like babies to Tom and me. Their deaths over the years have been among the most gut-wrenching experiences of our lives.

I'm glad you wrote your love letter to Lucy...THIS time, not so much for us to experience the genius that is your writing...but because writing this letter to Lucy will facilitate your grief, my friend.

This much I know is true.

~Bon"

12. Dave Twedt - March 18, 2009 @ 10:15 PM

"Have you ever considered the qualities of a dog? They show unconditioal love,never take sides,willing to listen, their when you need them,forgive you even when you beat them down. Does this sound like someone else we know? God,dog same letters only reversed. Maybe that's the way God intended man to be. Lots can be learned from a dog."

13. chrysty - March 18, 2009 @ 10:33 PM

"Thanks...really for sharing. I needed the memory of Lucy (and poohbear) to finish up my day. C."

14. Donna Belk - March 18, 2009 @ 11:12 PM

"Thank you so much Andy, for sharing your love of Lucy with us. She does sound like she was one for the ages! We've had dogs throughout our marriage and yes, they are excellent at arbitration! Cole, our lab, is an eating machine too, but a sweeter boy there never was. His predecessors, Cody and Jessie are gone now, and I still miss them everyday. The hurt will eventually diminish, but the memory never fades. They truly live in our hearts forever. We are thankful to have know your wonderful Lucy through you!"

15. Henry - March 18, 2009 @ 11:16 PM

"OK - you brought tears to my eyes. But I can identify with this story. When my wife and I got married she had a cat named Heather. Heather tolerated me - except when she was in heat - and then she loved me. Heather died when she was 17 and it was more than 2 years before my wife would even consider another cat. We still miss Heather even though we now have 2 cats to replace her - Jade and Amber. Heather died laying on our bed laying next to me and I confess I cried like a baby. Sometimes there is only one special pet - but if you are like we are, you will find a great replacement or 2!"

16. Tami C Ryan - March 18, 2009 @ 11:31 PM

"Andy,

Thanks so much for sharing your Lucy with us. I think anyone who's had a pet can relate to your story in one way or another.

My pets have always been cats, and they each loved me unconditionally, each in his or her own way. Googs always knew when I didn't feel well and sat faithfully by my side until I healed. When I hit the snooze button one time too many in the morning, Shadow would jump up on my nightstand and knock the clock on the floor, making a horrible racket, which of course forced me to my feet.

I could share so many more stories, but I'll simply thank you for jogging my memory and gifting me with a sentimental smile as I remembered each of my cats.

My best to you and your family as your hearts heal.
Tami"

17. Joan Dykes - March 19, 2009 @ 12:28 AM

"Hi Andy,

What great stories about Lucy! It brought a smile to my face to remember her and what a lucky dog she was to have you all for a family. We, David and I, still marvel at her cast iron stomach and laugh when we remember how she "accidently" knocked you off the pier and into the water. I envision her and Barney playing together now and talking about what great lives they had thanks to you, Polly, and the boys. It was our honor and privilege to have known Lucy. Again, thanks for the memories!"

18. Peggy - March 19, 2009 @ 4:14 AM

"Thank you for a sweet story about Lucy - I just recently had to put my Angel to sleep. She would have been 12 in July - I miss her terribly - she was such a comfort to me, especially the last two years after losing my hubby."

19. Kevin Klug - March 19, 2009 @ 6:04 AM

"Sassie,

Born 1/7/2001
**** 4/8/2008

Not ready to talk about it yet.

Great story and still haven't stopped crying."

20. Sue Shoecraft - March 19, 2009 @ 6:40 AM

"Hi Andy, I've always had a soft spot for what I affectionately call "spotty dogs". When you spoke about Lucy at our Hawaii conference last year it was the highlight for me. The vision of Lucy chasing that heron up and down the beach is still with me. I'm sure she is still chasing it, wherever such beautiful creatures go when their job on this earth is complete. For me, Lucy will always be the dog who reminded me to follow my vision, whether others could see it or not. Thanks Andy for sharing. I will give my two Labradoodles, Mambo & Pepper, an extra long hug tonight. Cheers, Sue."

21. Andy Andrews - March 19, 2009 @ 7:19 AM

"Hi Everyone!

Polly and I are enjoying all your messages of comfort for us and reflections about your own pets.

Joan and David (Lucy's Vet)...you guys were such a huge part of Lucy's life. You truly know that I was not exaggerating about her eating habits, don't you? I love how you put it..."cast iron stomach"! Also...I had forgotten about Lucy "pushing" me off the dock and into the water when I was showered, dressed, and ready to go to the airport! If I had remembered THAT, it certainly would have been in the story!!!

AA"

22. Marlisa - March 19, 2009 @ 7:55 AM

"Andy & family.... SO sorry to hear about Lucy... we also have a dog that eats EVERYTHING... raw pork chops to whole bags of hershey kisses (with the foil on), she has eaten a whole bag of grapes-several times (then we find out how bad grapes are for their kidneys!) Thanks for sharing your memories of Lucy... I enjoyed reading about her!!"

23. Maggie - March 19, 2009 @ 8:43 AM

"So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing Lucy with us."

24. Gerald Murphy - March 19, 2009 @ 9:17 AM

"When you are ready for another dog consider a Norwegian Elk hound (Viking Dog). They look like a husky with a mane, slightly intimidating looking but the absolute best family dog ever invented. We have had a number of dogs over the years--all of them great--but none of them could hold a candle to "Tank"--our Elk hound. The only catch is they stay inside a lot in the summer but love the cold winter and think snow was invented just for them. (after all they are from Norway). Gerald"

25. Jay Wischum - March 19, 2009 @ 9:37 AM

"Andy,

It is almost hard to imagine how much love we can have for a dog but I know when Hershey goes - hopefully many years from now - my wife and I are going to have a very difficult time of it. I had to hold back a tear just reading about Lucy..."

26. Glen Kaiser - March 19, 2009 @ 9:41 AM

"Hey Andy,

Great story and memories of your Lucy!! Our Lucy is Gus (Gustav Von Kaiser) - a Miniature Schnauzer and is a real character too - his doctor is David too!

The same thing - Gus has made his way into our bed each night and has been my teacher on how to treat Lana....... They are powerful creatures and we are blessed to be able to share life with them!!

God Bless - take care - GK"

27. Bill Burkhart - March 19, 2009 @ 10:05 AM

"Great story! I think that the thing that always astonishes me and that we can learn from is, dogs always seem happy to see you. If you left the house and come back in 15 minutes, they act like they have not seen you for months. A trait that I think humans could learn from. They dont hold grudges, they just let it go and they are ready to be your pal everytime.

Thanks for your blogs Andy"

28. Joe in Mobile, AL - March 19, 2009 @ 11:43 AM

"Sorry to hear about the lovable Lucy. We've buried a lot of pets over the years and it's also so emotional. We lost one of our long line of pugs (Pugsley)March 17, 2007. A year later, on March 17, a little black pug was born & about 10 weeks later my daughter surprised me with Mugsley. His arrival was so bittersweet. He's so cute and full of energy but I know that one day his loss will break my heart. However, the sadness is far outweighed by the happiness and love the little beast give. Say "hi" to Polly & the kids!
Joe Bolton"

29. Kent Leinberger, M.D. - March 19, 2009 @ 12:09 PM

"Dear Andy AND ALL of the wonderful people who have responded to your excellent and uplifting story about Lucy --

Some folks have shared their own pain from losing a God-given pet. For some very heartfelt comfort and assurance, I would like to recommend a book written by Randy Alcorn. There is a section of this book that makes a wonderful case for the fact that we will see our beloved pets in Heaven!

Randy's book is simply titled "Heaven" (published by Tyndale House Publishers)."

30. Steve Levi - March 19, 2009 @ 12:28 PM

"Andy,
You have caused me to wipe tears from my eyes - from laughter - since the very first time I saw you perform at a charity golf tournament many years ago. When I recently subscribed to your email newsletter, I never expected you would cause my eyes to "sweat" in the way they did as I read about your wonderful Lucy. I was very privaledged to have been able to spend as much time as I did around such a great dog! I loved Lucy, too! Thanks for sharing, Steve"

31. Ricky Parris - March 19, 2009 @ 12:40 PM

"Andy I have been a fan of yours for many years. I just wanted to tell you that Cathy and I have had 4 dogs during our 21 years together and all of the were just like Lucy in there own way. We loved them all just the same and thought they were all the best. You will have the same but different sessions with you new best buddy when you get one. I am sorry for you loss. You made me stop and remember all the times we had with our "kids" dogs, thanks I needed to stop and break the everyday cycle."

32. Ruth Anderson - March 19, 2009 @ 1:58 PM

"Hi Andy. What a wonderful story. I too have a dog that I love unconditionally and she returns that love in the same way. She makes me laugh so often with her crazy antics. Fortunately she does not have many bad habits but being a terrior cross, she certainly loves to bark. Her greatest pleasure is going to the off leash park and running around with her ears flying out behind her barking her head off. We don't allow her to bark in our yard so this is her way of compensating.
I went through a prolonged illness a couple of years ago and every minute of that time, she was by my side.
She is only 7 years old so we should have her for many years to come but I recognize that the pain has to come at one point and until then I will cherish every moment."

33. Ed Cerny - March 19, 2009 @ 2:34 PM

"Andy - Thank you for sharing so much about Lucy. We appreciate your words about her life.

When I watched your DVD on the 7 Decisions the Lord added a new word to my vocabulary - dog-ful. It means to love unconditionally...just like Lucy did.

Praying for your family.

Ed in SC"

34. john bozeman - March 19, 2009 @ 2:38 PM

"Thanks for sharing your lives with me,I 'm sorry about your loss, the memories you have will live forever."

35. Rhonda - March 19, 2009 @ 3:28 PM

"Just a story to make you smile...Years ago, a friend of ours was in his yard with his 5 year old daughter. Their neighbor was working on something in his backyard and Missy asked her dad what the neighbor was doing. Mike responded that the neighbor was installing an invisible dog fence. With horror on her face Missy asked, "How BIG is the invisible dog!""

36. Mary Ann - March 19, 2009 @ 3:34 PM

"To this day, Dave and I still speak of Lucy and how she would walk around our house taunt Boats & Chester with " I'm outside and your're not"!! Leave Boats & Chester just barking & barking as she gingerly (!) returned home. Oh, how we loved Lucy!!

Ms. Mary"

37. Samuel E Osborn - March 19, 2009 @ 3:49 PM

"What a time to read about Lucy.

Just after reading your "story" this morning I had to make the decision to have Shadrach, our Springer Spaniel but down. As hard as it was to loose our other two dogs, making this decision was something that I will not get over for some time. Especially when I think how Shad trusted me.

Sam"

38. Mike Haygood - March 19, 2009 @ 9:09 PM

"Andy:

I love getting your updates and although I've never responded to any of them, they always lift my spirits and stir my faith. Being a resident of both Georgia and now Alabama, we are very familiar with Orange Beach and have a number of in-law family members (all wonderful people by the way)that live in the area. Maybe we'll run into you some time at Lulus or some other local establishment in the area.

Anyway, keep up the great work and wonderful story telling. You have no idea how many lives you are touching.

I absolutely loved The Traveler's Gift and intend to get your latest book which I believe in your own words you said, 'was your best effort yet.'

May God continue to bless you, your family, and your work.

Mike Haygood
Acworth, GA
Birmingham, AL"

39. Don Sullivan - March 19, 2009 @ 9:50 PM

"Dear Mr. Andrews:

I was touched by your portrayal of Lucy. I am truly sorry for your loss. Pets are just as much a part of the family as people are, and their passing is just as trying. My favorite lesson from your Lucy is the lesson of how to treat our spouses. I have considered your story about how Lucy would greet your wife and it made me realize how far I have yet to travel in my affection for my own wife. It really has affected me and I aspire to put it into practice daily.

I pray that the hurt will heal for you and your family. The great part of it is though, that Lucy lives on. Not only in God's loving and wonderful kingdom, where I am certain she has a place of honor for being a "good and faithful servant", but also in your hearts. For as long as she lives in your memories, she can never die for she is always there. May God Bless you all!"

40. Renee Badertscher - March 19, 2009 @ 10:39 PM

"As "Dog People", grief is the price we pay, willingly I might add, for loving an animal with a shorter lifespan than we have. We console ourselves with the story of the "Rainbow Bridge", and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet. We "Dog People" believe that when our pets die, they wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge at the Gate to Heaven. When it is our turn, we arrive at the Bridge and are greeted by all our beloved pets and we all cross over the Rainbow Bridge into Heaven together. So, many of us leave our dogs with the words,"See you at the Rainbow Bridge." So look for Lucy at the Rainbow Bridge. She'll be glad to see you, even without food in your pocket!"

41. Robbie - March 20, 2009 @ 6:30 AM

"Wonderful Wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing!"

42. Frances - March 20, 2009 @ 8:20 AM

"Andy, Polly and family,
I'm sorry for your loss, but now like to think that your Lucy may have been there last Saturday when Mom took her final breath. A dog lover for 81 years, as we told her it was alright, we mentioned every dog we could remember that would be waiting at the rainbow bridge for her. In fact, our request was for people to donate to a local NO-Kill,animal shelter in-leiu of flowers.
Your posts are either entertaining or in this case comforting. Thanks for sharing."

43. Trixie - March 20, 2009 @ 8:56 AM

"Hi Andy, Thanks so much for your wonderful story and for loving Lucy despite her shortcomings. It takes special people to love their animals unconditionally as you did your Lucy.
My Mocha a Doberman Pinscher who was as docile as a teddy bear left this earth on January 29th 2009, we spent 15 wonderful years together. I miss her terribly but know she is romping at the Rainbow Bridge with Lucy faithfully waiting for the day we are reunited. Blessing to you for being such a wonderful doggie dad."

44. Dave - March 20, 2009 @ 9:30 AM

"Thanks for the reminder. We really loved Lucy. When she was over at our house, she was like one of the family."

45. Andy Andrews - March 20, 2009 @ 10:37 AM

"I am loving reading your comments and seeing the posts from those of you who actually knew Lucy. The stories of your own pets are awesome. I can't believe I never heard of the Rainbow Bridge!!! And I laughed out loud about the invisible dog!"

46. Jim Shuffield - March 20, 2009 @ 11:22 AM

"Hey Andy,

Thanks for the post today on your beloved Lucy. She will always be a part of you.

We lost our mini Schnauzer, Heidi, after 16 1/2 years due to cancer. We got her when she was a puppy and like you went through many trials and tribulations..but we would never trade those years for anything. Six to nine months after Heidi left this world we got Phoebe (another mini Schnauzer). She is now 3 years old and rules the house as Heidi did. No dog can ever replace Heidi, but Phoebe certainly comes close.

Thanks again for sharing.

Jim"

47. Foncie Bullard - March 20, 2009 @ 1:59 PM

"I love a recent email I received.It was about a family who'se 16 year old labrador needed to be put to sleep due to health problems. There was a 6 year old son who loved this dog so very much. The parents were of course concerned about their son's reaction to the dog's death.They decided he should be there when the dog was put down and prepared him for it. They explained that dogs didn't live as long as humans, etc.,etc., etc. The son listened intently and then responded,"Well, dogs are all good and they get to go to Heaven sooner than we do." I loved it. Dogs are all good which is why God spelled backwards is doG. And when I cry over the loss of a loved one I pray that when I die that I will have done enough that someone will have been touched enough by my life that they shed a few tears over my leaving. I pray that they are tears of joy that I have gone on to a much better place and will be waiting for them to arrive. I also believe that all dogs go to Heaven."

48. Chris - March 20, 2009 @ 9:32 PM

"Glad you found out about the Rainbow Bridge.

We lost our "Lucy" two weeks after we brought my youngest son home. We always say she stayed around long enough to make sure our "next angel" was here to be in our lives before she left."

49. Nancy Carter - March 21, 2009 @ 12:02 AM

"My Dalmation was Domino and a beautiful male who went to sleep in my lap every night. I still miss those big eyes imploring me to let him get into a little more trouble. I miss those powerful muscles under the black spots. What a breed! What a dog!

You will miss your Lucy, but the memories will be sweeter and sweeter as the years go by."

50. Jennifer Foster - March 22, 2009 @ 10:11 AM

"Andy - what a beautiful story - of which I know it's not a story for you but that you truly lived it and mean it from your heart. Pets become as children for us. It's the same heartache as losing a family member. God bless you and your family, even though I know it's been some time since her passing. Cherish the good memories and of course, share more if you can."

51. Janet Jensen - March 22, 2009 @ 3:21 PM

"What a wonderful tribute to Lucy. We lost our beautiful Samoyed Holly almost two years ago and still miss her dearly. She left us a daughter,Kiska and a granddaughter, Sonia, who fill our lives with laughter and love. Holly was a therapy dog and Kiska is as well, Sonia is in training. I have seen first hand how much love and comfort these dogs can bring to us humans. There is a reason that God spelled backwards is dog."

52. Alisha Alligood (Neese) - March 22, 2009 @ 7:04 PM

"Andy,

Thanks for sharing! I am so sorry for your loss! As I post this, my sweet Dinah just came looking for me and is now asleep at my feet. What a comfort she has been. She is the best dog I have ever had. She turned 10 on Oct 31st and I don't know what I will do when I loose her. They become such a part of our lives. She would sit with my Dad as he went through his cancer treatments. It is so wonderful how they know what we need. She is loved by all my nieces and nephew. They ask where she is when I get to their houses and ask to talk to her when I call. My parents call her their Grand-Dog. I am blessed to have her. Thanks for reminding me what a special gift I have and I pray that God will give you peace and comfort as you and your family go through this time of loss.

My love to all,

Alisha"

53. Debbie Robinson - March 26, 2009 @ 8:42 AM

"Hi Andy,
Years ago I was at one of your seminars, that was actually hosted by Amway/Quixtar. I loved it. I also loved your book The Traveler. Apparently so did my brother because he never returned it to me and I hate to ask him to.
Your story about Lucy was very touching. She was truly an amazing dog, I can tell. I have had several dogs, but my favorite was a small 15 lb. mutt named Corky. I still miss her to this day. She was the one who, when things were not going so well, would put her head on my lap and look up at me as if to say, "I still love you no matter what." I get tears in my eyes still when I think of her. I also miss Cody,a toy pom, Ginger a fluffy, prissy,toy pom and Cheyenne half shepard and helf wolf.
Ginger used to back up to me or whoever wanted to pick her up. She would never let you approach you from her front. She would also "gingerly" remove socks from anyone who had them on. She was only 8lbs, a toy pomeranian, so when she removed the socks it was painless but very funny.
I am sure there is a dog heavena and all of our dogs are happily enjoying each others company.
Wow, sorry I got so wordy.Get a new dog and enjoy because they each provide us with new experiences and lots of love."

54. Bob Spriggs - March 29, 2009 @ 1:19 AM

"Dear Andy,
Our big, beautiful, beloved Turkish Van kitty, Lemur, died of colon cancer on Friday, the 13th of March, 2009. Leemie was 12 years old, and weighed about 25lbs before he got sick. He was a long haired white cat with pale gold rings around his long tail, hence the name, Lemur. He had been abandoned by a couple across the street who just moved away and left him. He was about 2 when we took him in, and from the beginning I was his person. All the many cats we have had previously chose my wife, Betty. Which I understand completely, since I would definitely pick her over me any day. Lemur was like Lucy in many ways - he ate and slept wherever he pleased, and that was usually between Betty and me. I have always been a dog lover, and still am, only now I love cats as well. I am a grizzled 84 year old WWII veteran, but the pain of losing Lemur is almost more than I can handle. Sometimes it sneaks up on me at night and ties my stomach in knots. Thank you for your colomn about Lucy. It has helped me deal with a tough situation. God bless you and your family.

Bob Spriggs"

55. Eric Proffitt - March 30, 2009 @ 4:06 PM

"Andy!
I love everything you write!!
On June 1, 2009 I am taking my first steps on a 500 mile journey across the UK...IN CHAINS!

Why would I do this? To raise awareness for an estimated 27 million people living in slavery today. And, like Joshua Chamberlein, in "The Travlers Gift" sometimes you have to do something not because it is easy but because it is the right thing to do.

Why am I writing you about this? Because I believe you would want to do anything you could to end slavery.

What Do I want you to do? I would simply like you to blog about this run to your wonderful readers. If I share it, and you share it, and they share it... WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

You can find out everything about this project at: www.ericproffitt.com

THANK YOU!
Eric"

56. Pam - April 1, 2009 @ 3:42 PM

"Andy,
I met you several years ago at a hospital retreat and made a fool of myself introducing myself to you at the Robin Roberts event in Pensacola. I love your books and I am sorry about your loss. We lost our beloved Heidi, a white miniature schnauzer, about a month ago and we will never recover. Like Lucy, she was the glue that has bonded our family. We got her two years about getting married when my stepson asked for a sister. I would love to read a book about Lucy. Congratulations on your success."

57. Deb@BirdOnAWire - April 2, 2009 @ 6:11 PM

"Andy! How great to have seen you on fox and know the Bama boy has made good! I'm so jazzed for you. Of course you knew that didn't you! We lost Max last year before we lost the house in Gulf Shores, and I can completely commiserate and empathize with you. I wrote an homage to Max on my blog in a similar vein (see I learned something from ya) I'll be telling folks about your books and programs now that I've found ya. The blog has powers you know. Congratulations on such a successful career! Best wishes
Debbie (Tortorigi)Lawrence"

58. Ron - April 12, 2009 @ 10:37 PM

"This is an emial I recieved from a friend:

And God Created Dog

The Story of Adam & Eve's Pets

Adam and Eve said, 'Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us.'

And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves.'

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal
And God was pleased.

And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail

And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.'

And God said, 'I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.'

And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.

And they were comforted

And God was pleased.

And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, 'Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well.'

And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration.'

And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.

And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.

And Adam and Eve learned humility.

And they were greatly improved.

And God was pleased. . . . . .

And Dog was happy. . . . ..

And Cat didn't give a darn one way or the other...."

59. Tish - July 4, 2009 @ 8:34 PM

"Andy, this post made me smile, laugh, and shed many tears. My heart goes out to you for the loss of such a wonderful dog. As a dog owner myself, I can say that there are few things in life that compare to the joy that pets bring. I hope your next dog blesses you with lots of joy as well."