Lucy

by Carl
(UK)

We lost Lucy on the 23rd October.

I got Lucy just over 12 months ago, she was advertised online.

I was after a dog so my daughter felt safe after being raped and I knew it had had to be a dog for life. We both went to see Lucy to see if we both liked her. As we sat down Lucy came in the room and buried her head between my legs wagging her tail or little stump, she just wanted affection.

I looked at Lucy closely and could see she had been used as a breeding dog and I was told she had only had one litter as she was 3 years old. She had huge masses hanging at least 4 inches down due to weight of them from behind her teats. I knew she needed help so I decided I wanted her.

After a couple of days I took her to the RSPCA to see what they could do, but they just wrote her off and said it's best to put her to sleep, but I'd fell in love with her and that wasn't an option yet. That same day I got an appointment to the Animal Trust, they said they would remove all her mammary glands etc but it wouldn't be cheap. I took out a loan for £1500.00 to give Lucy a chance of life.

I noticed Lucy found it hard to move and get up after a walk but we put that down to lack of muscle from being in a cage, but last week I noticed she was finding it very hard to get up in the morning.

On Thursday the 22nd October she wouldn't get out of her bed, I spent the night sleeping on the couch so I could be close to her. On the 23rd October I took her back to the vets and they said they needed to x-ray Lucy.

After a phone call at 5pm my worst dream had come true. Lucy needed to be put to sleep as she had cancer on her pelvic bone and there were no bone left to support her. I rushed down to the vets to say my last goodbye to my best friend. I cuddled Lucy while they put her to sleep.

Lucy was such a gentle giant. I'd have another Doberman Pinscher but I'd never find one like Lucy. I know I hadn't had her all her life but what time we had was precious. I regret putting her to sleep and feel so guilty but she wouldn't have had a life. I just wanted more time with her.

Rest in peace Lucy. Love you always and forever xxx