We only ever had one dog. She was a rescue dog, we adopted her in 1999. She was a collie crossed with something smaller but mainly collie. Black and white and not very big she was the cleverest dog ever, always coming back when called, sitting and staying when told. On a lead she always pulled and we never could get her to walk to heel yet she walked beside us naturally without one - very odd.
We named her Lucy and had her for 10 years at the smallholding and I think she had a happy life with us. She sometimes went out with Colin when he was bridge inspecting and somehow she was smart enough to know when he was walking a footpath to a bridge and then back to the car as she would do three quarters of the walk until the bridge was in sight and then sit down and wait for him to come back! She never stood up if she could sit and never sat if she could lay down but was very good at fetch and bring back which I always got fed up with before she did.
She was always happy and enjoyed holidays in the caravan or campervan and didn't mind where she was as long as she was with either me or Col. Colin used to take her to farm sales and she would have lovely time sniffing her way around everything, looking to see where Colin was and always finding her way back to him.
She hated water and would walk right round a puddle and the sea held no attraction at all. Whenever we gave her a bath or shower she would sulk for ages.
She loved the children and always remembered them when they came back from university.
Lucy in 1999
In 2009 she suddenly she slowed down and seemed very old, (we had no idea how old she actually was), not wanting to play anymore, the vets found several lumps and then she went downhill quite quickly and on a sad day Col took her to the vets.
We never had another dog as none would have matched up to our lovely Lucy. We buried her on the smallholding and planted a sweet chestnut tree. I hope it's still there.
We had a rescue dog too - a collie cross called Charlie, who looked just like your Lucy. He was with us from April 1997 till May 2009. We loved him, he was a good companion. Your post brought back good memories ❤️
ReplyDeleteSuch intelligent dogs. Glad my post brought good memories
DeleteCollies are smart dogs but can easily get bored. Clearly, Lucy landed on her paws with you. Pretty girl.
ReplyDeleteLucy was a happy dog I think
DeleteThat’s a lovely post about Lucy and she was lucky to come to such a caring family. Catriona
ReplyDeleteWe were a one dog family!
DeleteOur farm dogs were alwys collies/sheepdogs of some kind. What I found sad about them is that they were so loyal and loving but - unlike pet dogs - they never infringed on your life - no jumping up, no wanting to be petted, just a straightforward working life. I still think of Tip - our last one - he just quietly died - alone - the vet thought a stroke - overnight.
ReplyDeleteI think Lucy was too small to be a proper working dog which was why she was given away.
DeleteLucy sounds and looked to be such a lovely dog and bright as anything. We have had a few dogs down the years but none could match Tara, who was half Doberman and helped me through some VERY hard times. She is buried beneath arose by the gate at Ynyswen.
ReplyDeleteNeither of our families had dogs - we both came from cat families rather than dogs!
DeletePart of the family. We might have another rescue cat, but haven't brought ourselves round to it yet.
ReplyDeleteI miss having a cat but just not a good idea with a road so close
DeleteLovely to read about your Lucy x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
She was a lovely girl.
DeleteLucy was a big part of your lives. We had our cat Shania (more doglike than catlike really) for 21 years and we can't bring ourselves to get another either.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That's a good long life for a cat.
DeleteSounds like she was a real treasure.
ReplyDeleteShe was such a clever dog - missed her a lot
DeleteLucy was a very fine girl. I hope the chestnut tree is still growing well in honor of your Lucy.
ReplyDeleteI hope the tree is still there - if it is it will be a good size by now
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to a beautiful family member. I hope your chestnut tree is still there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story of a well loved dog. Everyone should have at least one good dog in their lifetime. I will never have another myself, but my good boy was 'Buck'.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading about Lucy. Dogs are such characters! We put our little sweetheart down in August after at least 10 years together and it was painful and I have regrets, but there are positives as well -- not being responsible to hurry home, to name just one, to let him outside.
ReplyDeleteLucy sounds lovely, a character and a sweet companion. We had to put down our old boy Otis las month. So hard to lose these good friends. Nice memorial, Sue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful companion Lucy sounds like. We've only had one dog and one cat. At this time in our lives we want to be able to just have to take care of ourselves and go off when we want.
ReplyDeleteOur daughter and son-in-law have 3 dogs! I love visiting them, but they do take a lot of energy and it's always nice to be home again.